NIGERIA: Tinubu Seeks Expansion Of Appeal, Federal High Court Justices

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to amend existing laws to increase the number of justices in the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s judicial system.

The President, in separate letters read on the floor of the Senate, requested an amendment of the Court of Appeal Act to raise the number of justices from 70 to 110. He also sought a review of the Federal High Court Act to enable an increase in the number of judges from 70 to 90.

The letters were read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, as the Senate reconvened plenary after a five-week recess for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Also transmitted to the Senate by President Tinubu was a request for the confirmation of Justice Oyewole Joseph Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court, alongside a bill seeking amendments to 24 health sector-related laws.

In his welcome address, Senate President Akpabio assured Nigerians of the Senate’s commitment to enacting laws that would positively impact the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

The Senate also paid tribute to the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Lawmakers observed a minute silence in his honour and suspended legislative activities for the day. Senator Akwashiki passed away on Decemb

er 31, 2025.