Strat.1 Ensure faster dispensation of justice and autonomy of the Judiciary.
Strat.2 Review the appointment and removal process for judicial officers to ensure that it is merit-based and promotes greater independence.
Strat.3 Work with the Nigeria Law Reform Commission to update and publish the Laws of the Federation.
Strat.4 Ensure the full implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary at all levels
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives, through its ongoing constitutional review committees, has proposed several amendments for judicial reforms to strengthen the independence of the judiciary.
Strat.2 The House of Representatives, through the ongoing constitutional amendment process, has proposed reforms to review provisions governing the roles of the NJC and other bodies in the appointment and removal procedures for judicial officers
Strat.3 There is no public information confirming a formal collaboration between the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Law Reform Commission to update and publish the Laws of the Federation.
Strat.4 The House of Representatives continues to support the executive actions promoting judiciary autonomy and continues to work towards legislative measures that secure these gains after it passed and secured presidential assent for this Judicial Officers (Salaries and Allowances) Act strengthening the financial independence of judicial officers and reinforcing the autonomy of the judiciary.
The House of Representatives is reviewing a constitutional amendment to mandate financial autonomy for the judiciary at the state and federal levels.
Judicial and Legal System Reform
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies
Strat.1 Undertake a comprehensive review of obsolete laws, aligning them with contemporary realities.
Strat.2 Improve the independence of the Judiciary through adequate budgetary allocation for the judiciary and for the welfare of judicial officers and staff.
Strat.3 Budget for enhancing technology to expedite the digitisation of court processes and upgrade court infrastructure for swift and fair justice delivery.
Strat.4 Provide adequate funding for legal aid services to expand access to justice for all citizens, particularly marginalized groups and those with limited resources
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives constitution a committee to engage with the Executive’s panel to review, update and consolidate all the outdated laws in the country of obsolete laws.
Strat.2 The House of Representatives improved the independence of the judiciary by ensuring adequate budgetary allocation and enhancing the welfare of judicial officers and staff through the successful passage and presidential assent of the Judicial Officers’ Salaries and Allowances Act.
Strat.3 While there is no available evidence of specific budgetary allocations, the House of Representatives has passed resolutions through motions and introduced bills at digitising court procedures to promote swift, transparent, and fair justice delivery.
Strat.4 The House of Representatives is considering a bill to amend the Legal Aid Act, 2011, to formally empower the Legal Aid Council to defend indigent defendants in cases of kidnapping, terrorism, and economic and financial crimes — roles that the Council’s officers already perform in practice. However, while the amendment strengthens the Council's mandate, it does not specifically address increased funding or budgetary provisions required to support the expanded scope of services.
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