Tinubu Proposes Major Judicial Reform — Court of Appeal Justices to Rise to 110

In a significant institutional reform move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate seeking approval for amendments to Nigeria’s judicial framework — including a proposal to increase the number of justices on the Court of Appeal from 70 to 110. This request was read at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marking the launch of what the administration describes as measures to enhance the capacity and efficiency of appellate justice in Nigeria. 

The proposal is contained in the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which Tinubu transmitted alongside other key judicial reform measures. The president’s communication explicitly calls for the Senate to consider expanding the bench of the intermediate appellate court to better handle Nigeria’s rising caseload and evolving legal complexity. 

Why the Expansion?

According to Tinubu’s request, the proposed increase is designed to address mounting case backlogs and improve the speed and quality of justice delivery at the appellate level. The Court of Appeal handles hundreds of appeals every year — from criminal matters to election disputes, commercial litigation and national security cases — and supporters of the reform argue that the current complement of justices is overstretched. 

Beyond simply raising the number of judges, the bill also includes provisions to clarify the judicial structure and seniority of justices — addressing how leadership roles and ranking operate within the appellate bench. This structural adjustment is expected to improve internal organisation and judicial workflow. 

Modernising the Court System

A notable feature of the proposed amendment is its embrace of modern judicial technologies. The bill seeks to allow for virtual hearings through electronic and audio means, a move that supporters argue could greatly expand access to justice, especially for litigants in remote states who face logistical barriers to attending court in person. 

The reform would also establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) within the Court of Appeal. The ADRC is envisioned as a space where certain appellate matters could be referred for settlement outside the formal courtroom process, helping to relieve pressure on judges and give parties a faster, potentially less adversarial route to resolution. 

Part of Broader Judicial Reforms

This proposal is not an isolated request. Alongside the Court of Appeal amendment, Tinubu has also sought amendment of the Federal High Court Act to increase the number of judges from 70 to 90, a change aimed at expanding capacity at the trial court level as well. 

Some observers see these proposals as part of a broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s court system, reduce delays in the justice process, and improve adjudication of complex cases — especially in areas like security, economic regulation, taxation and transnational crime. 

What Happens Next?

The bills transmitted by President Tinubu have now been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, where they will undergo legislative scrutiny and debate. If passed, they will amend the relevant laws and set the stage for an expanded appellate judiciary. 

The Senate’s consideration of these judicial reforms comes at a time when calls for judicial efficiency and institutional strengthening have been growing louder among legal practitioners, civil society groups and business stakeholders alike. An expanded bench and new hearing modalities could reshape how appeals are handled in Nigeria — potentially reducing delays and enhancing access to justice across the federation.