Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Criminal Justice Reform Bill

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the Senate seeking a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s criminal justice system through the repeal of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 and its replacement with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, read the President’s letter during Thursday’s plenary, formally notifying lawmakers of the executive’s request for expeditious legislative consideration.

In the letter, President Tinubu said the proposed legislation is designed to strengthen the administration of criminal justice in the courts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other federal courts across the country.

“The general objective of the bill is to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and to enact the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026 to provide for the administration of criminal justice in the courts of the Federal Capital Territory and other Federal courts in Nigeria and establish an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council for effective and efficient administration of criminal justice in Nigeria,” the President stated.

Tinubu explained that the bill aims to improve the efficiency of criminal justice institutions, ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, protect society from crime, and safeguard the rights of suspects, defendants and victims.

According to the President, the proposed legislation will also strengthen compliance by courts, law enforcement agencies and other institutions involved in the criminal justice process.

He said the decision to repeal and re-enact the 2015 Act followed the identification of several legal, procedural and institutional challenges affecting its implementation.

Among the issues identified are delays in criminal investigations and prosecution, inadequate use of technology in criminal proceedings, weak coordination among criminal justice institutions, inefficient case management systems and limited mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the law.

Tinubu noted that the draft legislation was reviewed by a team of experienced law officers and reflects recent developments in criminal justice administration, judicial decisions, technological advancements and international best practices.

He added that the bill also strengthens the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council by introducing additional measures to enhance implementation across relevant institutions.

“In the light of the above, it is my hope that the Senate would consider the bill for an Act to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and to re-enact the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026 expeditiously,” Tinubu urged.

Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.

He directed the committee to report back to the Senate within one week, paving the way for debate and consideration of the proposed reforms.