Nigerian Senate Moves to Expand Judiciary Capacity

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate took a significant step towards overhauling the judiciary by passing a bill that proposes to expand the Court of Appeal justices from 70 to 110 and the Federal High Court judges from 70 to 90. This legislation is part of a broader initiative to decongest the courts and accelerate justice delivery nationwide.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who championed the bill, argued that the expansion is necessary due to the increasing caseload, particularly in areas such as anti-corruption, financial crime, and commercial disputes. The bill also includes provisions for virtual court proceedings and the establishment of alternative dispute resolution centers within the Court of Appeal.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praised the bill as a landmark reform that will enhance Nigeria's investment climate by addressing delays in justice delivery. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further consideration, with a report expected back within four weeks.