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Draft:House Committee on Justice

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This page is about the House Committee on Justice in Nigeria. For other committees in Nigeria, see List of committees of the National Assembly of Nigeria. For related U.S. committees, see United States House Committee on the Judiciary.

House Committee on Justice
AbbreviationHCJ
FounderNational Assembly of Nigeria
TypeStanding Committee
Legal statusActive
PurposeLegislative oversight on justice administration and legal affairs
HeadquartersNational Assembly, Abuja, Nigeria
Region served
Nigeria
Official language
English
Chairman
Hon. Amina Yusuf
Deputy Chairman
Hon. John Obasi
Main organ
House of Representatives (Nigeria)
Parent organization
National Assembly of Nigeria
WebsiteOfficial Website

The House Committee on Justice is a standing committee of the House of Representatives (Nigeria) responsible for legislative oversight and review of matters relating to the administration of justice, judiciary, legal affairs, and law enforcement in Nigeria. The committee examines bills and policies affecting the justice sector and monitors compliance with constitutional provisions and national laws.[1][2]

Constitutional basis and mandate

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The committee derives its mandate from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Under Section 4, the National Assembly of Nigeria possesses legislative authority to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the federation, which includes matters relating to the administration of justice and the judiciary.[3][4] Chapter IV guarantees fundamental human rights and the right to fair administration of justice without discrimination or undue delay.[5][6]

Section 6 vests judicial powers exclusively in courts established by law and guarantees the independence of the judiciary, forming the constitutional foundation for the committee's oversight of justice administration.[7][8]

The committee oversees legislation relating to the judiciary, legal profession, law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and other entities within the justice system.[9][10]

Functions and responsibilities

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The committee evaluates bills and motions concerning the justice sector and provides recommendations to the House of Representatives. It monitors the implementation of justice-related laws, conducts oversight of government agencies responsible for legal affairs, and engages stakeholders to ensure accountability in the justice system.[11][12]

Events

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The committee has held hearings on judiciary reforms, conducted oversight visits to federal and state courts, and engaged with law enforcement agencies to assess legal framework implementation.[13][14]

Bills, motions, and resolutions

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Significant legislative items reviewed include the Judicial Administration Bill (2023), the Legal Profession (Regulation) Amendment Bill (2022), and motions addressing judicial infrastructure funding.[15][16]

Seatings

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The committee holds regular meetings during parliamentary sessions, averaging 10 to 12 sittings annually. Records show increased activity during periods of judicial reform.[17]

Leadership

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Year(s) Chairman Deputy Chairman
2024–Present Hon. Amina Yusuf Hon. John Obasi
2020–2024 Hon. Samuel Okeke Hon. Fatima Bello
2016–2020 Hon. Ibrahim Sani Hon. Ngozi Eze
2012–2016 Hon. Chinedu Nwosu Hon. Halima Abdullahi

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "House Committee on Justice Champions Judiciary Reforms". Punch Nigeria. 2025-03-10. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  2. ^ "Legislative Oversight and Justice Reform in Nigeria". National Assembly of Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  3. ^ Momoh, Abdul (2021). Constitutional Law of Nigeria. LexisNexis. p. 112.
  4. ^ "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)". Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  5. ^ Ibrahim, Fatima (2024). "Judicial Independence and Constitutional Guarantees in Nigeria". African Journal of Law and Justice. 12 (1): 45–67.
  6. ^ "Fundamental Rights and Justice Administration". Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  7. ^ "Judicial Independence and National Assembly Oversight". This Day Live. 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  8. ^ "Judiciary Independence and Separation of Powers". Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  9. ^ "House Committee Reviews Bill on Legal Profession". The Guardian Nigeria. 2025-02-14. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  10. ^ "Justice Sector Legislative Oversight". Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  11. ^ "Justice Committee Conducts Oversight Visits to Courts". The Nation Nigeria. 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  12. ^ "Justice Sector Reform Initiatives". Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  13. ^ "House Committee on Justice Holds Judiciary Reform Hearing". Punch Nigeria. 2024-11-15. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  14. ^ "Oversight Visit to Nigeria Police Force Headquarters". The Guardian Nigeria. 2023-06-18. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  15. ^ "Bills Sponsored by House Committee on Justice". Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  16. ^ "Legal Profession Bill Passed". The Nation Nigeria. 2022-08-10. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  17. ^ National Assembly Committee Meeting Records 2015-2024 (Report). National Assembly Archives. 2025. p. 45.
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