NJC Recommends 14 Candidates for Federal High Court Judge Positions
NJC Recommends 14 Candidates for Federal High Court Judge Positions
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has officially recommended 14 candidates to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.
The decision was reached during the Council’s 110th meeting, which took place on January 13 and 14, 2026. The session was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, who led the deliberations on various judicial appointments and administrative matters.
The recommendations represent a significant step in filling vacancies within the federal judiciary, which has faced increasing caseloads in recent years. This move follows a similar trend by the NJC to bolster the workforce of the Nigerian courts. Just a week prior, the Council had recommended Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court, alongside 35 other candidates for various judicial roles across the country.
The NJC explained that the delay in finalizing these specific recommendations was due to the necessary wait for security reports on the candidates. The Council maintained a strict policy of ensuring all nominees underwent a thorough vetting process before their names were forwarded to the executive branch.
This “rigorous screening” is intended to maintain the integrity of the bench and ensure that only individuals with impeccable records are appointed to such high-ranking positions.
According to a statement released by the Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the Council was satisfied with the results of the background checks. The statement confirmed that the security clearance process yielded no negative findings against any of the 14 individuals selected for the Federal High Court. Consequently, the list was formally transmitted to the President on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for his final approval and subsequent swearing-in.
The official statement from the Council emphasized the formal resolution of the meeting, noting the specific number of successful candidates.
Among the 14 candidates recommended are Suleiman Amida Hassan, Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela, Galumje Edingah, Ibrahim Vera Eneabo, and Abubakar Musa Usman. These appointments are expected to enhance the capacity of the Federal High Court to handle its specialized jurisdiction, which includes matters involving the federal government, revenue, and fundamental human rights.
The final step now rests with President Tinubu to confirm the appointments.
