The National Assembly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), have called for enhanced collaboration between the legislature and the legal community to drive comprehensive judicial and electoral reforms, aimed at restoring public trust in Nigeria’s justice system and fostering a more inclusive democracy.
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The courtesy visit, held on Wednesday, underscored the shared vision of the 10th House of Representatives and the NBA in addressing longstanding governance challenges, as highlighted by Nigeria’s 120th ranking out of 142 countries in the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index. Kalu, a lawyer-turned-legislator and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, welcomed the NBA delegation to “the People’s House,” emphasizing that the Bar and Parliament share “a common ancestry in justice and a common destiny in nation-building.”
Kalu outlined the House’s legislative agenda, which prioritizes the justice sector through motions, bills, and oversight measures aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability. “The House is restoring public confidence in the justice system through inclusive and evidence-based reforms,” he stated. Key initiatives include the High Court of the FCT (Amendment) Bill to expand judicial capacity by increasing the number of judges; the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Bill to ensure fairer remuneration; and amendments to the Legal Aid Council and National Legal Education Acts to enhance access to justice and modernize legal training. He also highlighted the harmonization of the Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill, designed to reinforce separation of powers and accountability mechanisms.
The ongoing constitutional amendment process, Kalu noted, will incorporate input from legal practitioners, the judiciary, and civil society to ensure timely justice delivery and stronger public trust. “As a lawyer-turned-legislator, I understand that democracy depends on the quality of laws and the integrity of those who interpret them. Good laws emerge from broad consultations, tested by experience, and refined by justice,” he added. He commended the NBA’s steadfast defense of constitutional values, human rights, and the rule of law, reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to institutional synergy across the three arms of government. “The legislature makes the law, the judiciary interprets it, and the executive enforces it but all three must be guided by one compass: service to the people.”
From the NBA’s perspective, Osigwe emphasized the urgency of a people-driven constitutional review that aligns with Nigeria’s contemporary realities and addresses systemic flaws in governance and justice delivery. Referencing the Association’s recent State of the Nation Discourse convened in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy he described the current amendment window as a critical opportunity to tackle structural and procedural obstacles impeding national progress.
Osigwe advocated for targeted judicial reforms, including measures to reduce the Supreme Court’s caseload and alleviate institutional bottlenecks that hinder efficiency. He called for a reevaluation of the judicial governance framework, noting that the Chief Justice of Nigeria currently chairs both the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and the National Judicial Council (NJC), a structure that, he argued, requires scrutiny to strengthen transparency and accountability. On judicial appointments, he urged a merit-based, independent process that prioritizes integrity, competence, and diversity while shielding the judiciary from political interference.
Electoral reforms were also a key focus, with Osigwe pushing for constitutional changes to enable independent candidacy and bolster the credibility of the electoral system. He argued that such steps would enhance democratic inclusivity, reduce electoral disputes that overload the courts, and restore public confidence in the political process. “Nigeria needs a more transparent, merit-based, and independent framework for appointing judicial officers,” Osigwe emphasized, highlighting the NBA’s role as a guardian of the rule of law and a catalyst for democratic renewal.
Both leaders pledged sustained collaboration, with the NBA committing to legislative advocacy and inclusive public consultations to ensure the amendment process remains participatory and effective. “The rule of law is not sustained by courts alone; it is sustained by a culture of justice that flows from Parliament to the people. When justice works, society thrives,” Kalu concluded, encapsulating the mutual resolve to craft a Constitution that truly serves Nigerians.
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