Why NJC Now Publishes Names Of Judicial Candidates — CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has explained why the National Judicial Council (NJC) under her leadership made it mandatory to publish the names of candidates seeking appointment as judges.

She said the policy was designed to strengthen accountability, enhance public trust, and align Nigeria’s judicial appointment process with international best practices as outlined in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

Presenting a paper titled “Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for a Better Future” at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference in Banjul, The Gambia, the CJN noted that the move was intended to add “an extra layer of transparency” to the process.

According to her, publishing the names allows members of the public and relevant stakeholders to raise objections, provide credible information, or endorse nominees before their appointments are finalised.

Justice Kekere-Ekun disclosed that the policy had already produced positive results, citing instances where observations from the public were considered during the NJC’s last round of judicial appointments.

She stressed that diversity and visibility on the Supreme Court bench were critical to public confidence, especially in a plural society like Nigeria, with its over 200 million people across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups.

“The visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public trust and reassures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves,” she said.

The CJN, however, admitted that challenges remain in the appointment process. These include delays by the executive in acting on NJC recommendations, which she warned could affect the court’s ability to operate at full strength.

Other issues, she said, are the hurdles of security vetting and debates over the interpretation of federal character requirements, which often raise concerns about balancing merit with inclusivity.

Despite these, the CJN assured attendees, which included chief justices from across the Commonwealth, that Nigeria remains committed to appointing only those who meet constitutional, professional, and ethical standards.

While in Banjul, Justice Kekere-Ekun also visited the Nigerian High Commission, where she was received by the chargé d’affaires, Muhammed Mainasara Usma, the Head of Chancery, Amali Musa; and other members of staff.