Key Points

• NJC publishes list of judicial candidates for public feedback.

• The public has 14 days to comment on the suitability of candidates.

• This policy aims to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s judiciary.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has published a list of 82 candidates shortlisted for various judicial positions, including two nominees for Chief Judge of Ekiti State.

This move, made public via an advertorial in Daily Trust on May 5, is part of the NJC’s new initiative to improve transparency in judicial appointments.

The NJC also announced a policy change that will see the Federal Judicial Service Commission, state Judicial Service Commissions, and the Committee of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) publish the names of all candidates recommended for appointment.

In a statement shared via the NJC’s social media platforms, NJC Secretary Ahmed Saleh confirmed that the policy was approved during the 108th NJC meeting held on April 29-30.

He emphasized that the policy’s aim is to foster greater public participation in the process of selecting qualified judicial officers.

“The objective of this initiative is to invite comments from the general public on the integrity, reputation, and suitability of these candidates,” Saleh stated.

Public invited to submit comments on candidates

As part of the new policy, the NJC has invited the public to submit written comments on the suitability of the shortlisted candidates within 14 days of the publication date.

Complaints or comments must be submitted in writing to the Office of the NJC Secretary or emailed to info@njc.gov.ng.

Each comment must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit, making the process more rigorous and ensuring transparency.

The NJC’s efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary, an institution often criticized for its lack of transparency and for fostering a system rife with nepotism.

Legal scholars, civil society groups, and concerned citizens have long called for reforms to ensure that judicial appointments are based on merit rather than political or familial ties.

NJC aims for improved judicial transparency

The NJC’s decision to publish the list of shortlisted candidates marks a significant shift in how judicial appointments are traditionally handled in Nigeria.

The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of the judicial system and calls for greater accountability from civil society organizations and legal experts alike.

Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has been a vocal critic of the previous system, highlighting concerns over nepotism and corruption in judicial appointments.

In a statement, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who chairs the NJC, expressed the importance of public feedback in the appointment process.

“Only those with impeccable characteristics should be appointed to the bench,” she stated.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recently opened the door to public feedback on 82 judicial candidates shortlisted for various roles in the Nigerian judiciary.

This initiative marks a key step toward enhancing transparency and public trust in the country’s judicial appointment process.

The NJC’s move follows long-standing calls for more openness in judicial selections, aiming to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are appointed.

For the next two weeks, Nigerians are invited to provide written comments on the integrity and suitability of the candidate