PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF APPEAL AND FEDERAL HIGH COURT JUSTICES

ABUJA, January 27, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has requested the Senate to amend the Court of Appeal Act to increase the number of Justices from 70 to 110.
The President also sought an amendment to the Federal High Court Act to enable an increase in the number of Justices from 70 to 90, as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s judiciary and improve the administration of justice.

The requests were contained in letters read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, as lawmakers reconvened plenary after about five weeks of recess for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Other correspondence transmitted to the Senate by President Tinubu included a request for the confirmation of the appointment of Justice Oyewole Joseph Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court. Also presented was a bill seeking amendments to 24 health sector-related laws.

In his welcome address, Senate President Akpabio pledged the commitment of the Senate to enact laws that would have a positive impact on the livelihood and wellbeing of Nigerian citizens.

The Senate also paid tribute to the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in his honour and suspended legislative activities for the day.
Senator Akwashiki passed away on

December 31, 2025.