President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to amend legislation that governs the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal to allow for an increase in the number of judges.
In two separate letters sent to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which were read during a session on Tuesday, January 27, the president asked for revisions to the Federal High Court Act and the Court of Appeal Act.
The president suggested elevating the number of judges in the Federal High Court from 70 to 90, and increasing the number of justices in the Court of Appeal from 70 to 110.
In his correspondence regarding the Federal High Court Act, Tinubu noted that the original provision in Section 1(2) permitted a maximum of 50 judges. This cap was revised in 2005, raising it to the current figure of 70 judges.
He stated that this proposed increment is essential due to the court's growing caseload, which now includes significant cases related to terrorism, organized crime, and other issues impacting national security.
The president emphasized that raising the judicial strength from 70 to 90 would dramatically improve the judge-to-case ratio, hastening the pace and quality of court proceedings. He noted it would enable more specialized judicial expertise in fields requiring technical knowledge, such as terrorism, financial crimes, taxation, intellectual property, and maritime law.
Tinubu presented the Federal High Court Amendment Bill 2025 and expressed his hope that the Senate would prioritize its passage.
On the matter of the Court of Appeal Act, the president indicated that the proposed bill would not only increase the number of justices from 70 to 110 but would also clarify structural and seniority-related aspects within the court.
He articulated that the amendments would redefine the ranking of justices, particularly concerning the role of the President of the Court of Appeal and the hierarchy among justices.
Additionally, the bill aims to modernize court procedures by incorporating virtual hearings, allowing for remote proceedings via electronic and audio technologies, and setting up an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC).
Tinubu remarked that the proposed ADRC would facilitate the settlement of certain appellate cases, thereby enhancing efficiency in the justice system.
He underscored that these changes are timely and crucial, as they address the increasing pressures on the appellate justice framework, diminish delays in justice delivery, bolster access to justice nationwide, and enhance public trust in the judiciary.
Following the reading of the letters, Senate President Godswill Akpabio forwarded the bills to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for additional legislative scrutiny.
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