On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu requested that the Nigerian Senate accept a bill that would significantly expand and restructure the Court of Appeal. The proposal was sent to Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, and read in plenary.
As part of more extensive judicial changes, Tinubu advocated that the appellate court’s number of judges be increased from 70 to 110. The president claims that the changes are meant to improve the Court of Appeal’s institutional capability, efficacy, and efficiency in accordance with constitutional provisions and changing justice sector realities.
He determined that the bill’s primary amendment was the increase in the number of justices.
Tinubu wrote in the letter, “The bill seeks to increase the number of justices of the Court of Appeal from 70 to 110 and provide clarification of judicial structure and seniority.”
He went on to say that the measure also aims to evaluate and restructure the laws that control the Court of Appeal’s justice ranking, including the President of the Court’s ranking and the method used to determine seniority among justices.
The president revealed that the proposed legislation aims to modernize judicial operations by introducing virtual hearings, in addition to structural modifications.
He stated, “The bill provides for the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution center (ADRC) and the conduct of court of appeals proceedings through electronic and audio means.”
Tinubu pointed out that the bill calls for the Court of Appeal to create an Alternative Dispute Resolution Center so that some appellate cases might be forwarded for settlement.
“The bill aims to create an alternative dispute resolution center within the court of appeals, where appellate matters may be referred for settlement.” Tinubu continued.
According to him, the suggested changes are also intended to improve appellate practice’s professional effectiveness and legal certainty in accordance with contemporary institutional and legal requirements.
Additionally, the bill aims to modernize definitions and vocabulary in the main statute, such as acknowledging virtual hearings and using contemporary correctional nomenclature.
“To ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the current legal and institutional framework, it seeks to consolidate interpretive provisions.” He uttered those words.
The revisions, according to President Tinubu, are timely and essential because they address growing demands on the appellate judicial system.
According to him, the modifications are anticipated to improve litigants’ access to justice across the country, decrease delays in the administration of justice, and boost public trust in the legal system.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio forwarded the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for more legislative consideration after the letter was read.
