NASS Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Reforms

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abass Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to far-reaching judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the independence, efficiency, and credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.

Speaking through the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin  Kalu, at the opening of the Conference of All Nigerian Judges of the Superior Courts in Abuja, the Speaker said the legislature is advancing reforms that will modernise the courts and guarantee judicial autonomy.

Tajudeen disclosed that the House has already pushed forward 23 constitutional amendment bills addressing key judicial and electoral reforms, in addition to proposals that support financial independence for the judiciary and the upgrade of court processes through digital systems.

A statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to Kalu, Levinus Nwabughiogu,quotes him as noting that President Tinubu’s administration has significantly increased budgetary allocation to the judiciary, with the National Assembly reinforcing this through legislation and oversight.

The Speaker identified three priority areas for reform:

Judicial independence and capacity, including predictable funding and improved remuneration

Efficiency and access to justice, through digital case management and updated criminal justice laws

Strengthened collaboration among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary to uphold the rule of law.

Tajudeen assured judges that the House remains an unwavering partner: “An independent, accessible, and modern judiciary is essential to national renewal. We salute the dedication of our judges and remain committed to supporting these reforms,” he said.

Earlier at the FIDA Abuja Law Week, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu urged female lawyers to actively champion the Reserved Seats Bill, describing it as a structural solution for increasing women’s political representation. Kalu said the 10th House has placed inclusion at the center of its legislative mission, in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on fairness and gender equity.

While acknowledging the President’s women-focused appointments, he stressed that legal guarantees—not goodwill—create lasting equality. He called on FIDA members and the wider legal community to use their expertise and platforms to drive the bill’s passage: “You conquer in the courtroom; now conquer in the public square. If women lawyers choose to speak, inclusive governance will move from aspiration to reality,” Kalu said.