Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to begin consideration of two executive bills seeking sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the administration of public senior secondary education, in what the Presidency says is part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and improve public institutions, Prime Business Africa reports.
The requests were contained in separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Thursday’s plenary.
One of the proposals seeks to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 and replace it with a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026.
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According to the President, the existing law no longer adequately addresses emerging legal, procedural and institutional challenges confronting Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Tinubu said the proposed legislation is designed to improve the administration of criminal justice in the Federal Capital Territory and other federal courts while strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to ensure more effective implementation of the law.
He said the bill aims to promote the efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speed up the dispensation of justice, enhance public safety and protect the rights of suspects, defendants and victims. It also seeks to ensure full compliance with the law by courts, law enforcement agencies and other institutions involved in the administration of criminal justice.
Explaining the rationale for the proposed repeal, the President identified persistent delays in criminal investigations and prosecutions, weak coordination among justice sector institutions, inadequate deployment of technology, poor case management systems and ineffective monitoring of compliance as major shortcomings of the current legal framework.
Beyond addressing these gaps, the proposed ACJA 2026 introduces far-reaching reforms aimed at modernising criminal justice administration. Among its key provisions are the abolition of the “trial-within-trial” procedure, the establishment of a National Sex Offenders Register, the creation of a Witness Support Fund, stronger case management mechanisms and expanded powers for the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council.
The bill also proposes measures to prevent criminal trials from restarting due to the retirement, transfer or death of judges, while introducing modern case management procedures and plea forms intended to reduce delays and improve the efficiency of criminal proceedings.
Tinubu said the draft legislation was reviewed by legal experts specialising in criminal law, criminal procedure and legislative drafting, adding that it reflects recent judicial pronouncements, technological innovations and international best practices.
Following the presentation of the communication, the Senate referred the bill to its Committee on Rules and Business, with a directive to report back within four weeks.
In a separate communication, the President transmitted the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to the Senate for consideration.
Tinubu said the proposed amendment is intended to strengthen the governance and administration of public senior secondary education nationwide, describing it as part of his administration’s commitment to building stronger educational institutions.
He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved the amendment bill on April 30, 2026, after which it was vetted and finalised by the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements and legislative drafting standards.
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The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expedited consideration, expressing confidence that its passage would support ongoing efforts to improve the education sector.
“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider the bill and grant it expeditious passage, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards,” the President wrote.
The Senate subsequently referred the education bill to its Committee on Rules and Business with instructions to submit its report within one week.
The two executive bills had earlier been transmitted to the House of Representatives, signalling the administration’s intention to secure simultaneous legislative consideration in both chambers of the National Assembly.
If passed, the proposed criminal justice legislation would mark the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s federal criminal procedure framework since the enactment of the ACJA in 2015, introducing structural reforms aimed at reducing trial delays, improving accountability and strengthening the delivery of justice.
The education amendment, meanwhile, is expected to reinforce oversight and governance in public senior secondary schools, advancing the Federal Government’s broader institutional reform agenda.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
