January 23, (THEWILL) — The National Judicial Council has officially cleared and forwarded the names of 14 legal practitioners to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.
The recommendation follows a strategic pause by the Council during its 110th meeting held on January 13 and 14. Presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Council had initially deferred the final submission to the Presidency to allow for a thorough review of security dossiers on the candidates.
In a statement released by the NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the Council confirmed that the vetting process is now complete.
The statement clarified that the security reports returned without any adverse findings, paving the way for the formal recommendation.
The Council’s resolution on January 22, 2026, marks the final administrative step before the President exercises his appointing powers.
The move is seen as a vital step toward reducing the heavy caseload currently burdening the Federal High Court bench across the country.
The 14 nominees include: Amida Hassan Suleiman, Barau Saidu Muhammad, Chinelo Conchita Igboko, Chioma Angela Onuegbu, Edingah Galumje, Vera Eneabo Ibrahim, Musa Usman Abubakar, Aisha Yunusa Salihu, Joy Bassey Ikpeme, Umaru Adamu Shehu, Ibrahim Buba Mohammed, Nendelmum Judith Eigege-Binjin, Kuyik Uduak Usoro, and Osinachi Donatus Nwoye.
With the names now on the President’s desk, the legal community awaits the formal inauguration of the new judges, which is expected to enhance the speed of justice delivery in matters concerning federal revenue, narcotics, and anti-corruption cases.
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