President Bola Tinubu moves to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system as he sends key judicial reform bills to the Senate, seeking an increase in the number of judges across major courts. The proposals aim to reduce case backlogs, improve access to justice, and boost efficiency in the judiciary.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the President makes the request in a letter read at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the resumption of legislative activities. Tinubu asks the Senate to amend the Court of Appeal Act to increase the number of justices from 70 to 110, citing the growing workload and rising volume of appeals nationwide.
The President also forwards an amendment to the Federal High Court Act, proposing an increase in the number of judges from 70 to 90. He urges the Senate to give the bill accelerated consideration, noting that the current strength of the court is no longer sufficient to meet expanding judicial demands.
In addition, Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation for the appointment of Justice Oyewole Joseph Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as part of efforts to reinforce the apex court with experienced judicial officers, Mediaplusng.com reports.
The Senate also receives a Court of Appeal Amendment Bill proposing the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre. The initiative is designed to encourage out-of-court settlement of suitable cases, reduce pressure on regular court proceedings, and promote faster dispute resolution.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio refers the judicial reform bills to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action and scheduling.
Beyond judicial matters, President Tinubu transmits another communication seeking amendments to 24 health sector bills. The proposed changes target issues related to oversized board memberships in health institutions, with the aim of improving efficiency, governance, and cost-effectiveness.
The reform proposals reflect the administration’s broader agenda to modernise public institutions, strengthen governance, and improve service delivery across critical sectors of national life.
