NBA Calls For Overhaul Of Judicial Appointment Process Amid NJC Reforms
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for sweeping reforms in the process of appointing judicial officers in Nigeria. NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, made the call while presenting his executive report at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State, on May 15, 2025.
Reacting to the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) newly adopted transparency policy, Osigwe commended the move but described it as insufficient. The NBA urged a complete overhaul to eliminate political interference and prioritize merit.
According to Osigwe, the NJC’s directive to publish memoranda on judicial nominations is a welcome development. However, he stressed that more must be done to ensure fairness in the entire process.
The NBA noted that the prevailing perception is that judicial appointments are influenced by status, connections, or politics, with merit playing a secondary role. Osigwe argued this weakens the justice system.
He proposed written tests for aspiring judges, focusing on legal knowledge, writing skills, and aptitude. These tests, he suggested, should be conducted by an independent body and published immediately after.
The NBA also recommended that appointments should be subject to concurrent endorsement by the Bar. This will be based on objective and transparent criteria.
“The current system breeds mediocrity and leaves out capable legal practitioners,” Osigwe said. “This must change if our judiciary is to be respected.”
He also called for constitutional amendments to allow NBA nominees at the NJC to contribute beyond judicial appointments. He called for retired legal experts to chair judicial councils.
The NBA under Osigwe vowed to resist any system that promotes incompetence or shields judicial officers from accountability. The call comes as the NJC recently suspended three judges over misconduct—sanctions which the NBA described as too lenient.
With public confidence in the judiciary at stake, the NBA insists on a credible and merit-based selection system.
READ FULL EXECUTIVE REPORT HERE: EXECUTIVE REPORT BY MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN, PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION AT THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION HELD AT ILORIN, ON THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025.
