The National Judicial Council (NJC) recommends 14 candidates to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court, following the completion of its statutory selection process.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the decision is taken at the 110th meeting of the Council held on January 13 and 14, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The Council initially withholds the names due to the absence of mandatory security clearance at the time of the meeting.
After receiving and reviewing the security reports, which raise no adverse findings against any of the nominees, the NJC formally forwards the list to the President on January 22, 2026, in line with constitutional and procedural requirements.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the recommendation marks a key step toward strengthening the Federal High Court, as the appointments are expected to address manpower gaps and improve the speed and quality of justice delivery across the country.
The Council explains that all candidates emerge through a transparent and merit-based process that includes screening, evaluation of professional competence, integrity checks, and security assessments.
The 14 candidates recommended for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court are Suleiman Amida Hassan, Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela, Galumje Edingah, Ibrahim Vera Eneabo, Abubakar Musa Usman, Salihu Aisha Yunusa, Ikpeme Joy Bassey, Shehu Umaru Adamu, Mohammed Ibrahim Buba, Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith, Usoro Kuyik Uduak, and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.
Judicial stakeholders say the proposed appointments will enhance judicial capacity, reduce case backlogs, and strengthen public confidence in the Federal High Court.
Once approved by the President, the new judges are expected to be sworn in and deployed to various judicial divisions to support ongoing efforts to improve access to justice, uphold the rule of law, and ensure efficient adjudication of federal matters nationwide.
