President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) has formally transmitted two pieces of legislation to the Nigerian [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_(Nigeria)), urging swift passage to upgrade the country’s capacity to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a letter dated 6 October 2026.
**What are the two bills?**
The proposals are the *Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill, 2026* and the *Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Enforcement) Bill, 2026*. Tinubu cited Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as the constitutional basis for transmitting the measures.
**How will the Geneva Conventions Bill change the law?**
The first bill aims to repeal the existing Geneva Conventions Act (Cap. G3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and give effect to the original Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 together with the two Additional Protocols of 8 June 1977. By doing so, it would modernise Nigeria’s legal framework for implementing international humanitarian law.
**What does the Rome Statute Bill entail?**
The second proposal seeks to incorporate the *[Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_Statute_of_the_International_Criminal_Court)* into Nigerian law, providing mechanisms for the enforcement and punishment of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and related offences. It also enables Nigeria to cooperate fully with the [International Criminal Court](https://www.icc-cpi.int/) in the performance of its functions.
**What is the expected next step?**
In his correspondence, Tinubu expressed confidence that the House would give the bills expeditious consideration. The proposals now enter the legislative process and will be debated, amended and voted on by the House of Representatives.