C’River Assembly passes Customary Court Bill, mandates lawyers as chairmen

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Customary Court Bill, 2026, which mandates that chairmen of customary courts be legal practitioners. The bill was passed after a third reading, following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Complaints Commission. Committee Chairman Rt. Hon. Davies Etta said the legislation aims to reform the existing customary court system, established under the 1976 Law and codified in 2004, to strengthen customary justice administration, enhance professionalism, and improve record keeping. The committee consulted the Chief Judge of the State, traditional institutions, and customary court stakeholders.

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