President Bola Tinubu has urged the Senate to approve amendments to the Court of Appeal Act. The proposed bill seeks to increase the number of Court of Appeal justices nationwide. Specifically, the amendment aims to raise the number from 70 to 110. The reform targets improved efficiency within Nigeria’s appellate justice system.
The request was delivered through a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio read the letter during plenary on Tuesday. According to Tinubu, the amendment aligns with constitutional provisions and judicial realities. He stressed that increasing caseloads require urgent structural reforms.
The President identified bench expansion as the bill’s core objective. He explained that additional justices would reduce operational pressure across appellate divisions. Furthermore, the bill clarifies judicial hierarchy and seniority arrangements. It restructures ranking provisions, including the position of the Court President.
Tinubu also highlighted plans to modernise appellate court proceedings. The bill allows hearings through electronic and audio technologies.It further proposes establishing an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre. This centre would function directly within the Court of Appeal framework.
Certain appellate cases may be referred for amicable settlement. According to Tinubu, this will ease litigation delays and improve access to justice. The bill also updates legal terminology in the principal Act.It recognises virtual hearings and modern correctional system terms. Additionally, the amendment consolidates interpretative provisions for clarity.It ensures consistency with Nigeria’s evolving legal and institutional frameworks.
Tinubu described the reforms as timely and necessary.He believes the changes will strengthen public confidence in the judiciary. Following deliberation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business. Meanwhile, Tinubu also requested Senate confirmation for Justice Oyewole Kayode’s Supreme Court appointment. The request was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
