President Bola Tinubu has submitted a proposal to the Senate, urging the approval of a bill that seeks to amend the Court of Appeal Act. The amendment would increase the number of justices from 70 to 110, as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s appellate justice system.
The request, delivered in a letter to Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and read during Tuesday’s plenary, outlines the key goals of the proposed reforms. According to the President, the amendments are designed to enhance the Court of Appeal’s capacity, efficiency, and overall effectiveness, in line with constitutional provisions and emerging needs in the justice sector.
Central to the bill is the expansion of the Court’s bench to better manage growing caseloads and the operational demands on the court.
“The bill proposes increasing the number of justices from 70 to 110 and aims to clarify the judicial structure and hierarchy,” said President Tinubu. He also noted that the proposed legislation includes provisions for restructuring the ranking of justices, particularly addressing the position of the Court’s President and the seniority of justices.
The bill also seeks to modernize appellate procedures by incorporating technology. It includes provisions for conducting hearings electronically and using audio means, as well as establishing an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre within the Court of Appeal. This ADR Centre would allow certain appellate cases to be referred for settlement outside traditional court proceedings.
Additionally, the bill aims to enhance the clarity and consistency of legal terminology and definitions within the original Act. It also seeks to recognize virtual hearings and update correctional terminology in the justice system.
These reforms are considered crucial due to the increasing pressure on the appellate justice system in Nigeria. Tinubu highlighted that the proposed amendments would help reduce delays, improve access to justice, and boost public trust in the judiciary.
After the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further consideration.
The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns over the heavy caseloads in Nigeria’s courts. Not long ago, the Senate considered a separate bill to expand the number of Supreme Court justices to 30, as the existing 21 justices were seen as insufficient to handle the overwhelming number of cases, with some hearings scheduled as far ahead as 2027 and 2028.
In a related development, President Tinubu has also written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Justice Oyewole Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court. This request was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for review.
These actions reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s judicial system and improving its capacity to deliver justice more effectively.
