The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 14 lawyers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court, marking a key step in judicial appointments for the 2026 legal year.
The decision was taken at the NJC’s 110th Meeting, held on January 13–14, 2026 and presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun. The council resolved to recommend successful candidates who had undergone rigorous vetting — including mandatory security reports — before forwarding their names to the presidency.
After confirming that no adverse comments emerged from the candidates’ security evaluations, the council formally transmitted the list of 14 nominees to President Tinubu on January 22, 2026.
The group of recommended candidates includes Suleiman Amida Hassan, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, along with Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela, Galumje Edingah, Ibrahim Vera Eneabo, Abubakar Musa Usman, Salihu Aisha Yunusa, Ikpeme Joy Bassey, Shehu Umaru Adamu, Mohammed Ibrahim Buba, Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith, Usoro Kuyik Uduak, and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.
The NJC’s role in recommending judicial appointments is part of constitutional provisions designed to strengthen judicial independence and integrity in Nigeria’s justice system. Once the recommendations are received by the presidency, they are expected to proceed through formal appointment processes, after which the nominees may be sworn in as Federal High Court judges.
