Senate Moves to Expand Court of Appeal Justices to 110, Federal High Court Judges to 90

Nigeria's Senate has taken a significant step toward reforming its overburdened judiciary by passing two key bills for their second reading. These legislative proposals aim to expand the Court of Appeal from 70 to 110 justices and increase the Federal High Court's judges from 70 to 90.

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The proposed increase under this bill is not merely an administrative adjustment; it is a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Federal High Court.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele championed the bills, arguing that the expansion is crucial for decongesting courts and accelerating justice delivery nationwide. He emphasized that faster resolution of commercial disputes, in particular, would significantly boost investor confidence in Nigeria's economy.

Bamidele highlighted the growing caseloads in both courts, citing anti-corruption prosecutions, financial crimes, and various commercial disputes as major contributors. He described the proposed increase not just as an administrative change but as a "strategic intervention" to enhance the courts' capacity.

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Over the years, the Court of Appeal has experienced a significant increase in its workload arising from population growth, expansion of economic activities, increasing electoral disputes, constitutional litigation and commercial transactions.

Beyond increasing the number of judges, the reform package includes introducing virtual court proceedings, a practice adopted globally for its efficiency. It also proposes establishing an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre within the Court of Appeal and ensuring equitable representation for all states and the Federal Capital Territory on the appellate bench.

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One of the salient provisions of this bill is the introduction of virtual court proceedings, which many jurisdictions across the world have institutionalised because of their effectiveness and expediency.

The bills received broad support in the Senate. Senators like Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Osita Izunaso voiced strong backing, echoing the sentiment that "justice delayed is justice denied." The expansion is seen as a necessary measure to keep pace with Nigeria's population growth, economic expansion, and increasing litigation.

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Justice delayed is justice denied, and justice should not only be done but should be seen manifestly to be done.