The Niger State House of Assembly has passed the Niger State Magistrates’ Courts Law, 2026, to strengthen the administration of justice, while urging the state government to expand solar-powered irrigation to boost dry-season farming and food security.
The private member’s bill was passed after the House unanimously adopted the report of its Standing Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters.
Presenting the report on behalf of the committee chairman, Hon. Engr. Abdulrahman Bala Gambo, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Arc. Abubakar Suleiman Gomna, said the bill underwent legislative scrutiny, including a public hearing attended by key judicial and legal stakeholders.
He said the committee found the bill timely and capable of providing a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment, appointment, jurisdiction, and administration of Magistrates’ Courts across the state.
Gomna, however, noted that some provisions did not fully comply with the Legislation (Administrative Procedure) Law, 1980, prompting the committee to recommend amendments to the enactment clause, citation and commencement provisions, definitions of “Magistrate” and “Misdemeanor,” as well as sections relating to sentencing, fines, community service, pension contributions, and the courts’ jurisdiction.
The House adopted the recommendations before passing the bill into law.
The Speaker commended the Judiciary and Legal Matters Committee for its work and directed the Clerk of the House, Mallam Farouq Umar Isah, to transmit a clean copy of the bill to the executive for assent.
In another resolution, lawmakers urged the state government to provide solar-powered irrigation facilities in major farming communities to encourage year-round farming and improve food production.
The motion, sponsored by the member representing Gbako Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Ahmadu, noted that many farmers depend solely on rainfall due to the high cost of fuel and unreliable electricity needed to power conventional irrigation systems.
He said expanding access to solar-powered irrigation would increase agricultural output, improve farmers’ incomes, create jobs, strengthen food security, and attract more young people to agriculture.
The House also urged the state government to partner with the Federal Government, development partners, private investors, financial institutions, and relevant agricultural agencies to finance and expand solar-powered irrigation projects across Niger State.
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