The House of Representatives has taken a major step towards legal, governance, and administrative reforms by passing several crucial bills through second reading. These bills seek to address delays in judicial processes, ensure regular conduct of population censuses, restructure local government areas, enhance legislative oversight in treaty negotiations, and strengthen the independence of key legislative commissions.
The plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, saw lawmakers debating and approving multiple bills sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and other legislators. House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere presented the bills for consideration, after which they were put to a voice vote and received overwhelming support.
One of the key bills passed is aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays in the judicial system by establishing strict timelines for the resolution of civil and criminal cases. Under this proposal, superior trial courts must deliver judgments within 270 days from the filing date, with extensions to 330 days allowed in complex cases. Inferior courts and tribunals will have 210 days to issue judgments, with a possible extension to 270 days for exceptional cases. Appeals must be resolved within 180 days, with a maximum extension to 270 days, depending on the complexity of the case. This reform seeks to improve judicial efficiency and ensure litigants receive timely justice.
Another crucial bill mandates a national population census every ten years. The legislation amends Section 213 of the Constitution to require the President to publish census results in the government’s official gazette before initiating a new count. It also introduces provisions for sample surveys and interim censuses to ensure population statistics remain updated. This move is expected to provide accurate demographic data for national planning and economic development, addressing inconsistencies in Nigeria’s past census exercises.
The House also advanced a bill proposing the creation of Bende North Local Government Area from the current Bende Local Government Area in Abia State. If enacted, the existing Bende LGA will be renamed Bende South LGA. Lawmakers supporting the bill argued that the restructuring will bring governance closer to the people, promote development, and improve administrative efficiency. The bill modifies the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect the new local government areas. 
Another important bill focuses on increasing legislative oversight in Nigeria’s treaty negotiation process. The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that the President involves the National Assembly before finalizing any international treaty. It also empowers lawmakers to enact laws governing the treaty-making process, preventing unilateral executive agreements and ensuring Nigeria’s international commitments align with national interests.
The House also passed a bill seeking to strengthen the independence of the National Assembly Service Commission and State House of Assembly Service Commissions. This proposed amendment lists both commissions as independent bodies under Sections 158 and 197 of the Constitution. It also designates the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerks of State Houses of Assembly as Heads of Legislative Service at their respective levels, ensuring administrative and financial independence. This reform is expected to enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s legislative institutions by preventing external interference in their operations.
In addition, lawmakers advanced a bill proposing the transformation of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) into the University of Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia State. The bill seeks to upgrade the institution to university status, allowing it to offer degree programs in Nigerian languages. It aims to promote the study, development, and preservation of indigenous languages across the country while ensuring the institution’s legal framework aligns with National Universities Commission regulations. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of revitalizing and preserving Nigeria’s linguistic heritage as part of national identity and cultural sustainability.
With the successful passage of these bills through second reading, they will now proceed to committee-level review for further scrutiny and possible amendments before returning for third reading and final approval. Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu commended his colleagues for their commitment to legislative reforms, highlighting the significance of these bills in strengthening governance, judicial efficiency, and national development.
“These bills address critical gaps in our legal and administrative systems. By ensuring timely justice, regular census counts, structured treaty negotiations, and the promotion of indigenous languages, we are laying the foundation for a more progressive Nigeria,” Kalu stated.
The passage of these bills demonstrates the House’s commitment to improving governance structures and ensuring that policies align with the evolving needs of the country. The proposed reforms, if enacted, will have far-reaching implications for the justice system, national planning, local government administration, legislative independence, and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
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