HB.2467– The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 sponsored by Hon. Mitema Obordor and eight others on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Progress: First Reading
The original version of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) was enacted in 2015 as a transformational piece of legislation designed to overhaul the nation’s outdated criminal procedures. The ACJA replaced the previous Criminal Procedure Act and Criminal Procedure Code, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of the judicial process, ensuring a quicker dispensation of justice, and safeguarding the rights of suspects, defendants, and victims alike.
One of the hallmark features of the ACJA is its commitment to restorative justice. This approach emphasizes conflict resolution through mediation and reconciliation, particularly for minor offenses, thus promoting community involvement and reducing the adversarial nature of criminal proceedings. Additionally, the Act has incorporated technological advancements within criminal proceedings. This includes the recording of statements and testimonies, which is intended to boost both transparency and accountability throughout the criminal justice process.
Another critical aspect of the ACJA is its effort to harmonize laws across Nigeria. By establishing a unified criminal procedure law applicable to all federal courts and states that have adopted it, the ACJA has significantly streamlined legal processes, contributing to a notable reduction in the time taken to resolve criminal cases.
The legislative process for the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill follows a structured path. The First Reading is merely the initial step, where the bill is formally presented, its title read aloud and subsequently printed for distribution among the members of the House of Representatives. No debate occurs at this stage, as it serves to introduce the legislative proposal formally.
Following the First Reading, the bill will progress to the Second Reading, where it will be debated by lawmakers. This phase is crucial, as legislators will discuss the bill’s general principles and merits, setting the stage for a deeper examination in the subsequent stages.
Once the bill passes the Second Reading, it will be referred to a relevant committee for thorough scrutiny during the Committee Stage. Here, members will conduct a detailed examination of the bill clause by clause and may propose amendments based on their discussions and any input from stakeholders.
After the committee’s analysis, the bill will be considered by the Committee of the Whole House, which is when any proposed amendments are evaluated by all legislators. The final debate on the legislation occurs during the Third Reading, at which point members will engage in a last discussion and then cast their votes.
If the House of Representatives passes the bill, it will then be transmitted to the Senate, where a similar legislative process will ensue. Should the Senate approve the amendments, the bill will be sent to the President for assent. If the President signs the bill, it will officially become law, further enhancing Nigeria’s criminal justice framework.
As the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential to further reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system remains a significant focus for lawmakers, legal practitioners, and the public. The outcome of this legislation could ensure continued improvements in the efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness of criminal proceedings in Nigeria.
