Organisational Structure

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) operates through a well-defined and functional organisational structure designed to ensure effective leadership, broad consultation, and inclusive representation of the Muslim Ummah across the country. This structure reflects the Council’s commitment to accountability, coordination, and responsiveness in the discharge of its mandate.

At the apex of the structure is the Majlis ash-Shura (Consultative Council), which serves as the highest advisory and policy-making body of the Council. The Majlis ash-Shura is composed of distinguished Islamic scholars, jurists, seasoned professionals, and respected community leaders drawn from across the federation. It provides strategic direction, deliberates on critical issues affecting the Muslim Ummah, and approves major policies and decisions of the Council. Its role ensures that the activities of the SCSN are guided by collective wisdom, scholarly insight, and national inclusiveness.

The Presidency constitutes the central leadership of the Council and is responsible for providing overall direction, vision, and guidance. It is headed by the President, who is supported by Vice Presidents representing various geopolitical zones, thereby ensuring balanced national representation. The Presidency also works closely with senior advisers and eminent scholars whose experience and counsel strengthen leadership decisions and institutional coherence.

The National Secretariat functions as the administrative and operational hub of the Council. It is responsible for the day-to-day management of activities, coordination of programmes, dissemination of information, and implementation of decisions taken by the Presidency and the Majlis ash-Shura. The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is supported by other Secretariat members to ensure efficiency, continuity, and professionalism in the Council’s operations.

To enhance grassroots engagement and ensure nationwide presence, the Council operates through State and Regional Chapters. These structures serve as the operational arms of the Council at sub-national levels, facilitating direct interaction with Muslim communities, scholars, institutions, and stakeholders. They play a crucial role in implementing programmes, mobilising support, and addressing local concerns in alignment with the Council’s overall objectives.

In order to strengthen its functional capacity and address specialised areas of concern, the Council also operates through a system of Standing Committees. These committees are established to provide expert input, drive specific aspects of the Council’s mandate, and support effective decision-making. The current standing committees include the Research, Planning, and Documentation Committee, which is responsible for policy research, strategic planning, and documentation of the Council’s activities; the Da‘awah and Fatwa Committee, which handles religious guidance, public enlightenment, and issuance of scholarly opinions; the Security Committee, which addresses matters relating to the safety and protection of the Muslim community; the Finance Committee, which oversees financial management, accountability, and resource mobilisation; the Welfare Committee, which focuses on social support and humanitarian initiatives; the Hisbah Committee, which promotes moral discipline and ethical conduct in society; and the Political Committee, which engages with governance and public policy issues affecting the Muslim Ummah.

In addition to these, the Majlis ash-Shura retains the authority to constitute any other committee as may be necessary to address emerging needs or strategic priorities of the Council.

This multi-layered organisational structure ensures that the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria remains effective, inclusive, and responsive, capable of providing leadership, advancing the cause of Shariah, and contributing meaningfully to national development.

Organisational Structure

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria operates through a structured leadership framework designed to ensure effective governance, consultation, and representation of Muslim communities across the country.

Majlis ash-Shura (Consultative Council)

The Majlis ash-Shura is the highest consultative body of the Council. It comprises eminent Islamic scholars, jurists, professionals, and community leaders who provide strategic guidance and policy direction. The Shura deliberates on major issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and approves key decisions of the Council.

The Presidency

The Presidency is responsible for providing overall leadership and direction to the Council. It is headed by the President and supported by Vice Presidents representing different regions of the country.

The Presidency currently includes:

• The President
• Vice Presidents
• The Secretary General
• Other senior advisers and officers

National Secretariat

The Secretariat serves as the administrative and coordinating organ of the Council. It manages the day-to-day activities of the organization, coordinates programmes and communications, and supports the implementation of decisions taken by the leadership and the Majlis ash-Shura.

State and Regional Chapters

To ensure national outreach and grassroots engagement, the Council operates through state and regional structures across Nigeria. These chapters coordinate activities at the local level and facilitate engagement with Muslim communities, scholars, and institutions.