Senate moves to increase number of judges, Court of Appeal justices to clear case backlog

The Senate has begun legislative efforts to expand Nigeria’s federal judiciary in response to growing case backlogs and delays in the justice system.

Two bills seeking to increase the number of Federal High Court judges and Court of Appeal justices passed second reading during plenary on Tuesday. They have been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back within four weeks.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the proposed increase for the Federal High Court has become necessary due to the court’s expanding responsibilities. The court handles exclusive jurisdiction over key sectors such as taxation, banking, aviation, telecommunications, anti-corruption, terrorism financing, oil and gas disputes, and election matters.

He noted that the volume of cases before the court has grown exponentially over the years, driven by economic expansion, commercial transactions, technological advancement, cybercrimes, and rising anti-corruption prosecutions. The current number of judges, he argued, no longer reflects the realities of the nation’s justice system, leading to prolonged litigation and increased costs.

The Senate also considered a separate bill to amend the Court of Appeal Act, increasing the number of justices from 70 to 110 and introducing provisions for virtual court proceedings. Lawmakers believe that more judicial officers and technology-driven hearings will reduce delays and improve access to justice.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred both bills to the committee for detailed consideration. If passed into law, the measures would mark one of the most significant expansions of Nigeria’s federal judiciary in recent years.