Judicial Reform: NBA’s Unheeded Proposal to Restructure the NJC

In April 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) proposed removing the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) as statutory chair of the National Judicial Council (NJC), which disciplines erring judicial officers. It proposed an 18-member council: six judicial officers appointed by the CJN, six lawyers nominated by the NBA’s National Executive Council, and six non-lawyers appointed by the president subject to Senate approval, with the chair rotating among the three groups. The NBA also recommended court administrators handle budgeting, procurement and renovation so heads of court could focus on adjudication and case management. The proposals were considered and approved in modified form at a national justice-sector reform summit, according to its planning committee chairman, Babatunde Ajibade.