President Bola Tinubu has urged the Senate to amend the Federal High Court Act to increase the statutory number of Justices of the Federal High Court from 70 to 90.
Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter conveying the amendment bill, addressed to President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio and read at plenary on Tuesday.
Tinubu said Section 1 (2) of the Federal High Court Act Cap F-12 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 originally provided for a maximum of 50 judges.
He, however, said that the number was increased to 70 by its amendment in 2005.
He said the number remained the current status strength of the court to date.
“It is noted that the court now bears a substantial and expanding responsibility for the prosecution of terrorism-related offenses, transnational organised crimes and other matters touching directly on national security.
“The senate is invited to note that a proposed increase of the Federal High Court judges from 70 to 90 will significantly improve the judge to ration, and enhance the speed and quality of adjudication
“It will allow for greater judicial specialisation in technically demanding areas such as terrorism, financial crimes, taxation, intellectual property and maritime law.
“In view of the foregoing, I hereby present the Federal High Court Amendment Bill 2025 and trust that the senate will consider passage of the bill expeditiously.
“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.” the president said.
Akpabio, thereafter committed the bill to the Committee on Rules of Business for further legislative actions.