Nigeria: Tinubu Transmits Bills On Genocide, War Crimes Prosecution to House of Reps

What the report says

President Bola Tinubu has sent two bills to Nigeria’s House of Representatives aimed at updating the country’s laws on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to Premium Times as republished by AllAfrica. The measures were read during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, and the president’s covering letter was dated 6 October 2026.

One bill would repeal the current Geneva Conventions Act and replace it with new domestic provisions reflecting the four Geneva Conventions and two Additional Protocols. Those international rules set standards for the protection of civilians, prisoners of war and wounded combatants during armed conflict. The second bill is intended to enforce the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and create clearer penalties under Nigerian law for serious international crimes.

The proposed legislation also appears designed to formalize Nigeria’s cooperation with the ICC. In general terms, that could give the country a stronger legal basis to investigate or prosecute these offences at home while supporting international justice efforts when needed. The bills now move to the National Assembly for consideration.

The report places the initiative in the context of broader efforts to align domestic law with international humanitarian law. It remains to be seen how quickly lawmakers will act or whether the proposals will change during debate.