NASS Pledges To Strengthen Judiciary, Enhance Independence

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abass Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary and enhancing its independence and efficiency.

Speaking at the opening session of the Conference of All Nigerian Judges of Superior Courts in Abuja, Dr Abbas said the legislature has been actively engaged in constitutional reforms, budgetary support, and oversight to ensure a robust and respected judiciary.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Dr Abbas highlighted proposals to enhance judicial financial independence and modernize court systems.

He said the House has advanced 23 constitutional amendment bills aimed at reforming the judiciary and the electoral system.

“The House recognises that financial autonomy, digital infrastructure, and improved remuneration are essential to preserve judicial independence and public trust,” Tajudeen said.

He also emphasized the importance of efficiency, access to justice, and strategic collaboration among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

In a related event, Deputy Speaker Kalu urged female lawyers to support the Reserved Seats Bill, which aims to guarantee greater inclusion of women in political governance.

“True equality requires rights protected in law. The Reserved Seats Bill provides that framework. I urge women lawyers to use their expertise to move this bill from aspiration to reality,”

Kalu said this during the Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, Abuja Chapter.

The bill forms part of the 10th House of Representatives’ broader inclusion agenda, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes fairness, opportunity, and gender inclusion in governance.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji