The National Judicial Council (NJC) has introduced a groundbreaking policy aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the appointment of judicial officers to Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria.
In a statement released today by Ahmed Saleh (Mallam), FCIArb, Secretary of the National Judicial Council, the NJC announced that all judicial appointment memoranda-previously received from various Judicial Service Commissions and pending before the Council-will now be published at the initial stage as part of comprehensive reforms in the judicial appointment process.
The policy, approved during the Council’s 108th Meeting held on April 29-30, 2025, has resulted in the publication of 80 shortlisted candidates for various judicial positions across multiple states.
The list includes two candidates for the position of Chief Judge in Ekiti State and 78 other nominees for positions as Judges of High Courts
(53), Kadis of Sharia Courts of Appeal (20), and Judges of Customary Courts of Appeal (7) across nine states including Cross River, Delta, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Ogun, Plateau, Zamfara, and Ebonyi.
In line with the new transparency initiative, the NJC has invited public participation in the vetting process, requesting written comments on the candidates’ integrity, reputation, and suitability for judicial appointment within fourteen days.
“Each complaint or comment must be specific and supported with sufficient particulars,” the statement noted, adding that submissions must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to before a Superior Court of Nigeria or any Notary Public.
The Council warned against false and unsubstantiated complaints, emphasizing that
“there will be consequences” for such actions.
Written submissions can be sent to the Office of the Secretary of the NJC at the Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, or via email to [email protected].
Below is the full text
APPOINTMENT OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS TO SUPERIOR COURTS OF RECORD CALL FOR COMMENTS
As part of ongoing efforts toward comprehensive reforms in the judicial appointment process, the National Judicial Council (NJC), at its 108th Meeting held on 29th and 30th April 2025, approved a groundbreaking policy aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the appointment of Judicial Officers to Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria.
Under the newly adopted policy, all memoranda on judicial appointments— previously received from various Judicial Service Commissions and pending before the Council-shall now be published at the initial stage.