Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has asked the Senate to consider sweeping changes to the Court of Appeal Act, proposing a significant increase in the number of justices and the formal adoption of virtual court sessions at the appellate level, Prime Business Africa reports.
The request was conveyed in a letter read at plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Under the proposed amendment, the number of justices of the Court of Appeal would rise from the current 70 to 110. The President said the expansion is intended to address the mounting pressure on the appellate court, which continues to grapple with a heavy volume of cases from across the federation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTinubu argued that increasing the size of the bench would allow the court to sit in more divisions and panels simultaneously, helping to shorten the time it takes to hear and determine appeals.
Beyond the numerical expansion, the bill also introduces provisions for remote participation in appellate proceedings. If passed, the amendment would permit virtual hearings and the use of electronic audio-visual platforms, marking a major shift in how appeal cases are conducted in Nigeria.
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The President described the move as part of broader judicial reforms designed to modernise court operations, improve efficiency, and align Nigeria’s justice system with contemporary global standards.
The bill further seeks to review and update existing provisions of the Court of Appeal Act, including sections relating to the organisation, administration and hierarchy within the court.
Following its presentation, the Senate referred the bill to its Committee on Rules and Business for further consideration.
The Court of Appeal amendment forms part of a wider package of judicial reform initiatives recently forwarded to the National Assembly by the President, including proposals aimed at increasing the number of judges at the Federal High Court to ease congestion and accelerate the administration of justice.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
