By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the House of Representatives, seeking legislative approval for an increase in the number of judges of the Federal High Court and justices of the Court of Appeal, citing the urgent need to strengthen the nation’s justice delivery system.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and read at plenary by the presiding officer, the President proposed an increase in the statutory number of Federal High Court judges from 70 to 90, while the number of justices of the Court of Appeal would rise from 70 to 110.
President Tinubu explained that the proposed amendments have become imperative in order to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, particularly in the face of growing caseloads involving terrorism, financial crimes, intellectual property disputes and other related offences.
“I am pleased to transmit to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, the amendment of the Federal High Court Act 2005 to increase the statutory number of judges of the court from 70 to 90,” the President stated.
“Similarly, I also forward for the consideration of the National Assembly the Federal Court of Appeal Act (Amendment Bill) to increase the number of justices of the court from 70 to 110,” he added, while urging lawmakers to accord the bills expeditious passage.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has rescheduled the consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which was listed on the Order Paper for debate, to its next sitting on Thursday.
The 2026 Budget is a Bill seeking authorisation for the issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of ₦58,472,628,944,759 for the financial year ending 31 December 2026.
A breakdown of the proposed budget shows that ₦4,097,381,103,856 is earmarked for Statutory Transfers, ₦15,909,361,631,657 for Debt Service, and ₦15,251,538,827,423 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure. A total of ₦23,214,347,381,824 is allocated as contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.
The rescheduled debate is expected to allow lawmakers more time to scrutinise the spending proposals ahead of detailed consideration.
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