Supreme Court Welcomes 68 New Senior Advocates in 2026

On 12 October, the Supreme Court of Nigeria admitted 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria during the annual opening of the judicial year in Abuja. Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun presented the State of the Administration of Justice (SOTAJ) report, emphasizing the judiciary's need to adapt to upcoming election petitions and political disputes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

The report noted a significant transition within the judiciary, with several senior judges, including Ibrahim Mohammed Saulawa, set to retire soon. By March 2027, four Justices will have retired, leaving the Supreme Court short-staffed during a critical period for dispute resolution.

The Chief Justice highlighted case management as a key focus area, reporting that the Supreme Court received 2,456 matters in the 2025-26 judicial year, including various civil and criminal motions. The report acknowledged both progress and challenges faced by the judiciary.