2025: NSCEA Okays Ecclesiastical Courts In Nigeria

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has officially approved the establishment of Ecclesiastical/Christian Courts across the country.

This decision follows a closed-door meeting of the National Executive Council on April 2, 2025, where a consensus was reached to move forward with the implementation of these courts.

A statement by the Secretary, Elders’ Council, Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA), Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, disclosed that the essence is to ensure a balanced system in Nigeria.

Key Directives:

• Christian Universities: Host Ecclesiastical law departments, similar to Shari’ah law departments.
• Denominations and Church Centers: Designated as Arbitration Centers for resolving disputes among Christians.
• Arbitration Panels: Cases that cannot be resolved through arbitration will be moved to Common law courts.
• Additional Arbitration Centers: To be set up nationwide to support the existing court system.

Rationale:
The NSCEA cites the need for balance, as Shari’ah law is already recognized in the Nigerian Constitution and operates in Northern Nigeria and among Yoruba Muslims in the South West. The establishment of Ecclesiastical Courts aims to provide a fair and just system for Christians, addressing concerns about marginalization and exclusion.

Quotes from NSCEA Secretary:
“The establishment of Ecclesiastical Courts is overdue and must commence immediately. Arbitration is a contractual matter, and the law empowers private citizens to form arbitral panels and determine the legal framework.”

“The serious concern of the Nigerian Christian community about Shari’ah is the need not to be dragged into Shari’ah law as practiced in Northern Nigeria.”

Background:
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has previously demanded the establishment of Ecclesiastical Courts, citing the need for a balanced system that recognizes both Shari’ah and Christian laws.

Our duty at NSCEA is to: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2).

Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary, Elders’ Council
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA)

&
Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Law in Nigeria (SCELN)

(A Country Chapter of African Association for Ecclesiastical Affairs (AAEA) Inc.

cc:
Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN)