The National Assembly’s joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives has unanimously turned down the proposed judiciary budget for the year 2024. The allocated funds stand at N5.3 billion for capital expenditure and N8.8 billion for recurrent expenses.
Expressing deep concerns over what they perceive as insufficient budgetary provisions, the committee summoned the Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and the DG of the budget office, Ben Akabueze, giving them a 24-hour ultimatum to appear. They highlighted their apprehension that the current budget allocation severely compromises the judiciary’s independence and its ability to function effectively.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed these figures while addressing the Senate Committee on Judiciary a few days earlier, seeking additional funding for the judiciary. He emphasized the critical role of the Ministry in driving the current administration’s agenda for reforming the justice sector, urging the committee’s support in this regard.
