Nigeria’s Senate has taken the first legislative step toward expanding the country’s federal judiciary, advancing two bills that would increase the number of judges on the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The proposed legislation, which passed second reading on Tuesday and Wednesday, seeks to raise the complement of Federal High Court judges from 70 to 90 and Court of Appeal justices from 70 to 110. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bills, argued that the expansion is essential to address mounting case backlogs and delays that have undermined public confidence in the justice system. The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back within four weeks.

Viewed from Abuja, the move reflects growing recognition that Nigeria’s superior courts are struggling to cope with an ever-increasing caseload, driven by population growth, commercial disputes, and a surge in election-related litigation. The Federal High Court, in particular, handles a wide array of matters—from tax and customs to intellectual property and fundamental rights—and its current bench of 70 judges is widely seen as insufficient. Analysts in Lagos note that the Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from all lower courts, has been especially burdened, with some cases taking years to resolve. The proposed increase to 110 justices would be the largest single expansion in the court’s history, though observers caution that simply adding judges without addressing infrastructural deficits, such as courtroom availability and case management systems, may yield limited results.

From a comparative perspective, Nigeria’s judge-to-population ratio remains among the lowest in West Africa, and the backlog has become a recurring theme in judicial reform discussions. The Senate’s initiative aligns with broader calls from the legal community and civil society for a more efficient judiciary, but some critics argue that the expansion should be accompanied by measures to improve judicial accountability and reduce frivolous litigation. The bills now face scrutiny in committee, where lawmakers will weigh the fiscal implications—including salaries, pensions, and support staff—against the potential benefits of faster case resolution. If passed, the legislation would require presidential assent before taking effect.

Looking ahead, the success of this reform will depend on implementation. Legal experts in Abuja emphasise that increasing judicial numbers must be paired with transparent appointment processes and adequate funding for court operations. The Senate’s move signals a political will to tackle a long-standing problem, but the true test will be whether the expanded bench can meaningfully reduce the backlog and restore faith in the timely delivery of justice. As the committee deliberates, stakeholders across Nigeria will be watching closely, aware that the credibility of the judiciary—and by extension, the rule of law—hangs in the balance.