The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to increase the number of judges of the Federal High Court from 70 to 90 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s judicial system and improve the administration of justice.
The proposed amendment to the Federal High Court Act was considered during Wednesday’s plenary and forms part of a broader judicial reform agenda initiated by President Bola Tinubu.
The President had earlier transmitted a Judicial Reform Bill to the National Assembly, requesting amendments to existing laws governing major courts in the country. According to the proposal, the number of justices of the Court of Appeal would also be increased from 70 to 110 to address growing caseloads and improve efficiency in the justice sector.
President Tinubu noted that the reforms are necessary to strengthen the judiciary and ensure quicker dispensation of cases across the country.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has disclosed plans to introduce a bill proposing a single six-year tenure for presidents and state governors after the 2027 general elections.
According to Bamidele, the proposal is intended to replace the current two-term system and allow elected leaders to focus more on governance rather than re-election campaigns. He argued that officeholders often begin political calculations early in their first term, reducing the attention given to governance and policy implementation.
The proposed judicial reforms and tenure review are expected to generate significant debate as lawmakers continue deliberations on key constitutional and governance issues.
