JUDICIAL REFORM, RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS - Strengthening the Judiciary
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies (STRAT)
Strat.1 Strengthen the existing framework (law) to regulate the process of selection and appointment of judges outlining detailed processes and requirements as well as greater transparency.
Strat.2 Ensure compliance to constitutional provisions and guidelines through oversight.
Strat.3 Enhance transparency and public accountability through adequate oversight by relevant committees oversighting the judiciary.
Strat.4 Legislative measures to require the FJSC to conduct written tests and interviews rather than the NJC
Strat.5 Support the full implementation of judicial financial independence as guaranteed by the Fifth Constitutional Alteration
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives is currently undertaking a thorough review of existing constitutional and statutory provisions aimed at judicial reforms
Strat.2 The House has institutionalized tracking and monitoring of the implementation of House resolutions and constitutional mandates through the establishment of a Committee on Legislative Compliance.
Strat.3 The House of Representatives has achIeved this through strengthening the mandate of relevant oversight committees such as Judiciary, Justice, and Public Accounts with mandate to scrutinise the judiciary’s budget proposals and actual expenditure and utilizing reports from the Auditor-General of the Federation to identify financial irregularities in judiciary expenditure.
follow up on audit queries and ensure corrective action by judiciary institutions.
Strat.4 No final legislation has yet been passed or enacted into law to officially transfer the responsibility from NJC to FJSC. However, the House of Representatives has deliberated on several motions and debates
Strat.5 The Fifth Alteration Bill, part of the constitution amendment process, was passed by the previous Assembly but has received sustained support and affirmation under the 10th House. The 10th House endorsed the full implementation, reaffirming its legislative backing for judiciary financial independence.
JUDICIAL REFORM, RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS - Strengthening the Judiciary
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies
Strat.1 Expand membership of the appointing institutions
Strat.2 Promote measures that ensure inclusion and respect for diversity in appointment of judges
Strat.3 Amendment of the Constitution to review appointing powers of members of the CJN for FJSC and NJC
Strat.4 Review the composition of members of FJSC and NJC for broader representation especially as it concerns the appointment of CJN, PCA and other Heads of the Federal Courts
Strat.5 Reform the process by Constitutional amendment to include the direct appointment of qualified legal practitioners from the Bar.
Strat.6 Provide adequate resources (human and finances) for speedy dispensation of justice.
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 "The House of Representatives hrough its Constitution Review Committee, is proposing amendments to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant statutes.
to increase the number of representatives on appointing bodies and has passed several motions urging the executive to comply with federal character principles, ensuring regional balance in membership."
Strat.2 There is no publicly available information on a specific legislative proposal
Strat.3 The House of Representatives is reviewing constitutional Provisions (Sections 153, 154, and Third Schedule) to define clearer procedures for appointing Members of the NJC and FJSC
Strat.4 The House of Representatives is reviewing constitutional Provisions (Sections 153, 154, and Third Schedule) to define clearer procedures for appointing Members of the NJC and FJSC
Strat.5 "The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is currently reviewing proposed amendments that focus on provisions that specify appointment processes for judges of High Courts, Courts of Appeal, and even the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the House has conducted extensive consultations with the NBA, the Judicial service bodies (NJC, FJSC) and Civil society organisations advocating for judicial reforms.
Strat.6 The House of Representatives is supporting Judicial Financial Autonomy (Full Implementation of the Fifth Constitutional Alteration)
JUDICIAL REFORM, RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS - Strengthening the Judiciary
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies (STRAT)
Strat.1 Support the introduction of a merit-based system in appointment and promotion of judges
Strat.2 Expanding and strengthening legislative scrutiny and create legal framework to regulate the process
Strat.3 Amendment of the Constitution to enable President to reject recommendations where objective public complaints and objections are raised against the recommended candidates and request for another recommendation
Strat.4 Amendment of the Constitution to include the power of Senate to conduct public hearings and possibility of refusal to confirm based on findings from objective public complaints
Strat.5 Consult on the merit of establishing specialised courts to handle specific types of cases, which could expedite case resolution and reduce backlogs
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 Proposals have been discussed under the constitutional review process, but no amendment has been passed to institutionalise merit-based systems.
Strat.2 The House of Representatives has expanded scrutiny activities through committee work and public investigations.
However, no dedicated legal framework has been created to systematically regulate or strengthen legislative scrutiny powers. Efforts remain dependent on existing procedures and ad hoc improvements.
Strat.3 The 10th House of Representatives has not passed or advanced a constitutional amendment to give the President discretion to reject recommended candidates based on public objections.
Strat.4 The 10th House of Representatives has not passed or advanced a constitutional amendment to formally empower the Senate to conduct public hearings and reject nominees based on objective public complaints.
While the practice of public hearings exists, it is not legally required or regulated by the Constitution, and no formal provision ensures that public complaints directly influence confirmation decisions.
Strat.5 The House of Representatives has engaged in consultations and discussions with stakeholders about specialised courts. However, consultations remain informal and fragmented. No formal legislative steps or dedicated committee action has been taken to advance this into policy or law
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