Tinubu move to overhaul judiciary, proposes 110 appeal court justices, virtual hearings in new amendment bill

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking a major overhaul of Nigeria’s appellate justice system, including an increase in the number of Court of Appeal justices from 70 to 110.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s request during plenary on Tuesday.

According to Tinubu, the proposed amendment to the Court of Appeal Act is designed to strengthen the court’s institutional capacity, improve efficiency, and align its operations with constitutional provisions and modern realities in the justice sector.

“The bill seeks to increase the number of justices of the Court of Appeal from 70 to 110 and provide clarification of judicial structure and seniority,” Tinubu stated.

The amendment also proposes a reorganisation of the ranking system within the court, including clearer provisions on the status of the President of the Court of Appeal and the determination of seniority among justices.

In a move aimed at modernising judicial processes, the bill introduces virtual hearings, allowing appellate proceedings to be conducted through electronic and audio-visual means.

Tinubu further disclosed that the bill provides for the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) within the Court of Appeal, enabling certain appellate matters to be settled outside the traditional courtroom process.

“The bill provides for the conduct of proceedings of the Court of Appeal through electronic and audio means, and the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre,” the president said.

He added that the proposed reforms would enhance professional efficiency, ensure legal certainty, and update outdated terminology in the law to reflect modern correctional and judicial standards.

According to Tinubu, the amendments have become necessary due to the growing workload faced by the Court of Appeal and are expected to significantly reduce delays in the administration of justice, improve access to justice, and boost public confidence in the judiciary.

In a related development, the president also transmitted a separate bill seeking to amend the Federal High Court Act to increase the number of judges from 70 to 90.

Tinubu additionally requested Senate confirmation for the appointment of Oyewole Joseph Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Following the presentation of the letters, Akpabio referred the bills and the judicial nomination to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative consideration.