Constitution Review: NBA Backs Judicial Reforms, LG Autonomy

The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, has declared strong support for judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary, addressing systemic delays in the application of the Constitutional Review, addressing the administration of justice, and establishing Local Government election Tribunals.

Speaking at the National Public hearing on the Constitution review,
on behalf of the Association, NBA Liason Officer at the National Assembly, Mrs. Mercy Agada, explained that the professional body has actively participated in the ongoing Constitutional Review.

According to her, the NBA has raised several concerns regarding the Constitutional Review with specific and general recommendations that align with the broader issues raised by other stakeholders, particularly those related to the judiciary.

While expressing the Association’s support for devolution of powers from the federal to the state and local governments, as well as proposals for state police to address Nigeria’s security challenges, the
association also expressed overwhelming support for the bills seeking to grant more fiscal autonomy to local governments.

Speaking on the proposed fiscal federalism, the Association affirmed that: “there is a consensus among many stakeholders, likely including the NBA, that the Federal Government controls too much of the national revenue.”

To this end, the association, in its recommendations in this area focused on improving fiscal transparency.

The NBA also expressed solidarity with other civil society groups in support of bills that aim to increase the political representation of women and other underrepresented groups, such as the special seat bill.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji