Tinubu Recommends 110 Court of Appeal Justices in Landmark Judicial Reform

Tinubu Recommends 110 Court of Appeal Justices in Landmark Judicial Reform

President Bola Tinubu has proposed a major expansion of Nigeria’s judiciary, recommending the appointment of 110 justices to the Court of Appeal — a significant increase from the current 70 — as part of a broader judicial reform agenda sent to the National Assembly.

The recommendation was formally transmitted to the Senate and read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marking the beginning of legislative scrutiny on the Court of Appeal Amendment Bill 2026. According to the president, the expansion is intended to reduce case backlog, accelerate appeals, and improve access to justice nationwide.

“The proposed increase in the number of Court of Appeal justices is a deliberate measure to strengthen the judiciary, enhance efficiency, and ensure that the Nigerian people have timely access to justice,” Tinubu stated in his communication to the Senate.

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Addressing Overburdened Courts

The Court of Appeal, which handles civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, has been facing mounting pressure due to high caseloads and prolonged trial durations. By increasing the bench to 110 justices, the administration aims to streamline appellate processes, expedite rulings, and strengthen the rule of law across the country.

In addition to the expansion, the proposed bill includes provisions to clarify judicial seniority, formalize virtual hearings, and create an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centre to handle certain disputes outside the traditional courtroom. Legal analysts say these measures will modernize the appellate system and improve judicial efficiency in Nigeria.

Broader Judicial Reforms

President Tinubu has also recommended increasing the number of Federal High Court judges from 70 to 90 to address growing demands in areas such as economic crimes, terrorism cases, and transnational legal disputes. Both the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court amendment bills have been referred to relevant Senate committees for review and further public consultation.

The Senate is also expected to consider related judicial appointments, including potential elevations to the Supreme Court, ensuring the reforms align with ongoing efforts to strengthen judicial capacity and governance.

Legal experts say these reforms are a step toward modernizing Nigeria’s judiciary, tackling delays in the court system, and reinforcing public confidence in the rule of law and judicial accountability.

Tinubu Recommends 110 Court of Appeal Justices in Landmark Judicial Reform