By House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said the decision to abolish the death penalty ultimately lies with Nigerian citizens.
His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from the Death Penalty Project, led by officials from the British High Commission, at his office in Abuja on Thursday evening.
Kalu acknowledged the growing global trend toward abolition, with more than 130 countries having either outlawed or discontinued the death penalty in practice. He stressed the importance of robust debate, public engagement, and collaboration among stakeholders, given the diverse opinions on the issue.
“The Constitution Review Committee, which I chair, has thoroughly examined the implications of the death penalty—not just from a moral and ethical standpoint, but also in terms of its practical effects on society,” Kalu said.
Global Shift Towards Abolition
He highlighted that in December 2024, the United Nations General Assembly passed its tenth resolution calling for a global moratorium on executions, with support growing from 104 states in 2007 to 130 in 2024. Nigeria, however, abstained from the vote, joining 21 other nations.
“The African continent is advancing towards abolition faster than any other region,” Kalu noted, pointing out that 48 out of 55 African Union member states are now either abolitionist in law or practice. Only Egypt and Somalia carried out executions in 2023.
Public Debate Before Any Decision
While confirming that no bill is currently before the House of Representatives on the matter, Kalu said discussions were underway, with the potential for a legislative proposal in the near future.
“We are considering presenting a bill before Parliament to spark debate and allow the public to have their say. It will go through multiple stages of public hearings to ensure broad participation,” he explained.
Kalu emphasized that any reform would not diminish the seriousness of capital offenses such as murder, armed robbery, and treason but would ensure Nigeria’s justice system upholds fairness, proportionality, and human rights.
“We owe it to our citizens to ensure their rights are protected and that our laws reflect the highest standards of justice,” he added.
Calls for Collaboration
Saul Lehrfreund, Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of the Death Penalty Project, urged Nigeria’s lawmakers to engage in discussions on potential abolition.
“Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty on New Year’s Eve. We have seen great progress globally. It would be beneficial to bring partners together to discuss possible reforms and how the Constitution can be amended,” Lehrfreund said.
Kalu expressed Nigeria’s willingness to engage further and explore how aligning its laws with international best practices could enhance the country’s global reputation.
While the debate continues, the final decision, Kalu reiterated, rests with Nigerians.
