Reps Speaker Reaffirms NASS’ Commitment Towards Judicial Reforms, Pledges Continued Support

 

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly towards strengthening the judiciary and enhance its independence and efficiency.

 

Speaking during the opening session of the Conference of All Nigerian Judges of the Superior Courts in Abuja on Monday, the Speaker said that the legislative body has been engaging in constitutional reforms, budgetary support, and oversight to ensure the judiciary remains robust, capable, and respected.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Speaker Take added that concrete steps taken to realize the objective included proposals to enhance judicial financial independence and modernize the court system.

 

He revealed that the House has advanced 23 constitutional amendment bills to address critical reforms of the judiciary and electoral system.

 

Speaker Tajudeen said: ” This Conference is taking place within the context of national renewal. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  the Renewed Hope Agenda has emphasised that institutions matter; that justice is not an afterthought but a foundation for our national aspirations. As the President recently declared, “Our justice system must guarantee the well-being of Nigerians, economic growth and security for all.”

 

“In this spirit, the National Assembly and the House of Representatives have reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening the judiciary, enhancing its independence, and improving access, efficiency, and fairness in our courts. We have engaged in constitutional reforms, budgetary support, and oversight to ensure that the third arm of government is not passive but robust, capable, and respected. The proposals to enhance judicial financial independence and modernise our court systems are concrete steps in that journey.

 

“The structural reforms of the judiciary are being advanced through close collaboration between the House of Representatives and the judiciary.

 

“Earlier this year, the House advanced 23 constitutional amendment bills addressing critical reforms of the judiciary and electoral system. These efforts reflect our shared conviction that judicial independence, timely justice, and institutional transparency are foundational to sustainable democracy.”

Speaker Tajudeen also highlighted key areas of collaboration with the judiciary to enhance its efficiency.

 

“Your Lordships, allow me to highlight three key themes that this Conference might explore and that we in the Legislature stand ready to support. The first is institutional independence and capacity. An independent judiciary is the bedrock of democracy. The House recognises that financial independence, including predictable funding, improved remuneration and digital infrastructure, is essential to preserve judicial autonomy and public trust. President Tinubu’s Administration has already doubled certain budgetary allocations to the Judiciary, and the National Assembly is supporting this momentum.

 

“The second relates to efficiency, access and modernisation. Justice delayed becomes justice denied. The Legislative arm is actively pursuing the incorporation of digital case-management systems, the review of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and improved court infrastructure. These reforms are overdue, and your deliberations here will provide valuable guidance.

 

“The third pertains to the strategic partnership between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. No arm of government functions in isolation. The reforms of the Executive, the law-making of the Legislature and the adjudication of the Judiciary must converge under the rule of law and in the interests of our citizens. The House is committed to passing enabling legislation, responding to Summit outcomes, and maintaining oversight to ensure the judiciary fulfils its constitutional role,” he said.

 

The Speaker also pledged the continues support of the House to the judiciary.

 

“Let me affirm the resolve of the House of Representatives to remain an unwavering partner in this reform journey. I salute each Judge present — for your integrity, your sacrifice and your loyalty to the Nigerian people. The nation appreciates your work to safeguard rights, promote peace, and anchor investment in our society.

 

“We anticipate that this Conference will deliver practical, actionable results. We believe that the decisions we implement jointly will foster an efficient, independent, accessible, and well-respected judiciary”, he said.

 

In a related development, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu at the Law week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Chapter urged female lawyers to support and amplify advocacy for the reserved seats bill.

 

He said that the general aim of the bill is the ensure the inclusion of women in the political governance to enable them to contribute their quota for national development.

 

“Under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, the 10th House of

Representatives, has placed inclusion at the centre of its legislative mission,

expanding participation, strengthening equity, and building institutions that reflect the aspirations of all Nigerians.

 

“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which anchors

national development on fairness, opportunity, and gender inclusion. His

merit-based appointments of women to key ministries and agencies indicate his

commitment to inclusive governance. But appointments are not structural guarantees. True equality requires rights

protected in law and institutions that outlast goodwill. That is the promise of the Reserved Seats Bill, and I have no doubt that President Tinubu, a steadfast

he-for-she champion, will assent when the moment arrives, cementing this

historic step toward a more inclusive legislature.

 

“I call upon you, the women of FIDA, the legal community, and all stakeholders, to

actively engage with the Committee. Bring your expertise, your experience, and your insights. We are closer to equitable representation now than ever before. This is the moment when commitment must outweigh comfort, and conviction must triumph over caution.

 

“Now, more than ever, Nigerian female lawyers have a voice that can shape the nation. That same authority can move the Reserved Seats Bill from aspiration to reality.

 

“So, I challenge you respectfully but firmly. You conquer in the courtroom; now conquer in the public square. Use your voice in papers, petitions, hearings, bar fora, classrooms, and town halls. Use your influence in chambers and

associations. Use your credibility to elevate the national conversation.

If women lawyers choose to speak, the question of inclusive governance in

Nigeria will no longer be a debate. It will be a decision. And that decision will be

yours”, Kalu said.