By Adekoya Samson Abayomi, Abuja
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.
In the letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and read at plenary by the presiding officer, the President requested that the number of Federal High Court judges be increased from 70 to 90, while that of the Court of Appeal be raised from 70 to 110.
President Tinubu explained that the proposed increase has become imperative to strengthen the nation’s judiciary and ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, particularly in the face of rising caseloads.
According to the President, the amendment of the Federal High Court Act, 2005, and the Court of Appeal Act (Amendment Bill) is aimed at enhancing judicial capacity to effectively handle cases bordering on 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 letter read.
“Similarly, I forward for the consideration of the National Assembly the Court of Appeal Act (Amendment Bill) to increase the number of justices of the court from 70 to 110.”
The President urged lawmakers to give the proposed amendments expedited consideration in the national interest.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has rescheduled the consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to its next sitting on Thursday, despite its earlier listing on the Order Paper for plenary debate.
The 2026 budget proposal seeks authorization to withdraw a total of ₦58.47 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2026.
A breakdown of the budget shows that ₦4.09 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, ₦15.91 trillion for debt servicing, ₦15.25 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while ₦23.21 trillion is earmarked for capital expenditure under the Development Fund.
The rescheduled debate is expected to allow lawmakers adequate time to scrutinize the budget proposal ahead of deliberations.
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