The Delta State House of Assembly has passed two amendment bills seeking to strengthen the state’s judiciary and improve the administration of justice.
The bills are the Delta State High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 48) and the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 49).
The bills were passed on Wednesday following their Third Reading during plenary.
Speaking shortly after the passage, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, commended members for the speedy consideration and passage of the legislation, describing the development as a demonstration of the 8th Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the judicial arm of government.
Guwor said the amendments would help improve access to justice by addressing manpower challenges and strengthening the capacity of the courts to handle increasing caseloads.
On the High Court amendment, the Speaker explained that the legislation seeks to increase the statutory number of judges in the Delta State High Court from 46 to 50.
He said the increase would help reduce pressure on serving judges and improve the efficiency of justice delivery across the state.
«“It is my strong belief that this increase will reduce the pressure of caseloads on our Judges and ultimately enhance the effective administration of Justice in our dear State,” Guwor said.»
He also expressed appreciation to lawmakers for the passage of the Customary Court of Appeal amendment, saying the legislation would strengthen the structure and operations of the court and facilitate faster dispensation of justice.
“This amendment will enhance justice delivery in the Customary Court of Appeal system. Thank you for the quick passage of this Bill,” he stated.»
The Speaker further commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for transmitting the two Executive Bills to the House, describing the initiative as timely and necessary for the repositioning of the state’s justice sector.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor said the proposed laws were aimed at ensuring that the courts had adequate manpower and institutional capacity to respond effectively to the growing demand for justice.
He noted that the continued cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government had contributed to the passage of laws designed to address the needs of the people.
Guwor assured that the 8th Assembly would continue to support measures aimed at decongesting court dockets, strengthening judicial institutions and ensuring speedy determination of cases.
With their passage by the House, the two bills will now be transmitted to Governor Oborevwori for assent.
