The National Judicial Council (NJC) has officially forwarded the names of 14 distinguished legal practitioners to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court, a key step in strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary. The announcement, which comes after thorough vetting and security clearance, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance judicial capacity and bolster justice delivery across the nation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rigorous Screening and Security Clearance
At its 110th meeting, held from January 13 to 14, 2026, and presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, the NJC finalized its list of candidates following an exhaustive review of qualifications, professional records, and security reports. Earlier delays in forwarding names to the Presidency were due to the time required to complete mandatory security vetting. After receiving reports with no adverse comments on any nominee, the council formally submitted the list to President Tinubu on January 22, 2026.
This careful approach aligns with the NJC’s mandate to ensure that only highly qualified and reputable candidates are recommended for judicial appointment — a process fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
List of Recommended Candidates
The 14 candidates whose names have been forwarded for Federal High Court appointments are:
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Suleiman Amida Hassan
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Muhammad Barau Saidu
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Igboko Chinelo Conchita
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Onuegbu Chioma Angela
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Galumje Edingah
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Ibrahim Vera Eneabo
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Abubakar Musa Usman
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Salihu Aisha Yunusa
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Ikpeme Joy Bassey
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Shehu Umaru Adamu
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Mohammed Ibrahim Buba
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Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith
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Usoro Kuyik Uduak
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Nwoye Osinachi Donatus
Among the nominees is Suleiman Amida Hassan, the incumbent Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, whose proposed elevation signals recognition of his administrative experience and service to the judiciary.
Role of the Federal High Court in Nigeria’s Justice System
The Federal High Court occupies a vital position in the Nigerian judicial architecture, handling a broad scope of matters including federal revenue disputes, customs and excise cases, terrorism and economic crimes, intellectual property issues, and matters involving the federal government or its agencies. Appointing competent judges to this tier of court is critical to reducing case backlogs and improving the efficiency of legal processes nationwide.
The NJC’s recommendations also reflect broader efforts to ensure the judiciary remains capable of handling complex legal challenges in an evolving socio-political landscape.
Next Steps: Presidential Approval and Swearing-In
While the NJC’s recommendation is a key constitutional requirement, the nominated candidates must still receive formal approval from President Tinubu. Once presidential assent is granted, the Federal High Court judges will be sworn in according to constitutional provisions, officially empowering them to begin presiding over cases.
This stage of the process underscores the checks and balances between the judiciary’s internal governance body (the NJC) and the executive branch, reflecting the constitutional framework that governs judicial appointments in Nigeria.
Judicial Appointment Trends and Public Confidence
Recent judicial appointments — including those to the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court — have drawn public interest and media attention, especially regarding transparency and merit-based selection. The NJC’s commitment to completing security vetting before making its recommendations is part of efforts to enhance integrity and public trust in judicial appointments.
Observers note that a transparent and thorough vetting process is essential to safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring that judges deliver justice without fear or favor.
This article is based on reports by Premium Times, Sahara Reporters, TheCable, PRNigeria, BusinessDay, and Tribune Online.
