Joint National Assembly Committee Questions NJC Budget Plan, Calls for Reassessment of N799.9bn 2026 Proposal

By Inalegwu Osemi

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Judiciary, chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, has suspended the budget defence of the National Judicial Council (NJC), instructing the council to reassess its proposed N799.9 billion allocation for the 2026 fiscal year and correct observed deficiencies.

The Secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, appeared before the joint panel to present the council’s financial proposal, detailing the funding needs and operational challenges confronting the judiciary.
Saleh revealed that the NJC was initially appropriated N341 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, but this figure was later reviewed upward to N541 billion to accommodate additional expenditures, including increased personnel costs and other operational obligations. He added that only 65 percent of the approved 2025 budget had been disbursed, a situation he said has significantly hampered the council’s capacity to fully carry out its responsibilities.
In outlining the 2026 proposal, the NJC Secretary stated that the council is requesting N799.9 billion to adequately manage judicial affairs and respond to expanding institutional demands. He underscored the need for complete and prompt release of funds to guarantee efficient service delivery and enhance judicial effectiveness across the country.
Saleh also lamented the insufficient accommodation for judicial officers and staff, noting that the housing shortfall continues to impact productivity and overall welfare. He maintained that increased funding would help bridge infrastructure gaps, improve staff welfare, and strengthen the administration of justice nationwide.
In his remarks, Senator Adegbonmire raised concerns over certain omissions and inconsistencies in the submitted estimates, advising the council to revisit and properly reorganize the proposal. He stressed the importance of transparency, clarity, and adequate justification for all projected expenditures.
The committee chairman further noted that the judiciary, being a vital arm of government, is expected to submit a thorough and well-structured budget that reflects its priorities and is in line with prevailing fiscal conditions.
After extensive deliberations, the joint committee adjourned the session and directed the NJC to review its proposal and return before the panel with a more comprehensive and streamlined submission for further legislative scrutiny.