The politics of religion and Nigeria’s future: Assessing the controversy around the amended Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020

This paper explores the intricate interactions of politics, religion, and law in shaping contemporary Nigeria. The focal point of the inquiry is the amended Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020), which eventually turned to be a bone of contention that has sparked heated discussions and differing viewpoints. The contentious issues surrounding CAMA 2020 centre on its clauses pertaining to religious organizations. Drawing on extensive fieldwork and interviews with some key actors, it examines the responses and reactions of Christian and Muslim leaders. These leaders shared their opinions about the new law, which some analysts describe as a deliberate attack on faith-based organisations (FBOs). The findings underpin the tension that exists between Islam and Christianity and the ways in which they relate to and view the state. It also highlights the mistrust and suspicion that characterise the relationship between the government and the people. The CAMA 2020 is a segment of broader tensions in determining the future course of Nigeria in terms of its interaction with religion and politics.