Loading...
Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, Nigeria
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Constitutional Mandate

The Federal Judicial Service Commission derives its authority from Section 153(1) and Paragraph 12 & 13, Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Section 153(1)

Establishes the Commission as one of the14 Federal Executive Bodies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Paragraph 12 — Composition

Defines the Commission's membership, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, the AGF, the Chief Judge of the FHC, the President of the NIC, two legal practitioners, and two persons of unquestionable integrity.

Paragraph 13 — Powers

Confers powers to advise on judicial appointments, recommend removals, and exercise disciplinary control over judicial staff.

Commission Meeting

Composition

As prescribed under Paragraph 12, Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, the Commission is composed of:

1

The Chief Justice of Nigeria — who shall be the Chairman

2

The President of the Court of Appeal

3

The Attorney-General of the Federation

4

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court

5

The President of the National Industrial Court

6

Two legal practitioners (qualified for not less than 15 years), from a list recommended by the Nigerian Bar Association

7

Two other persons, not being legal practitioners, of unquestionable integrity

View Current Members

Powers & Functions

The functions of the Commission are clearly spelt out in Paragraph 13 Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) which stipulates that the Federal Judicial Service Commission shall have power to:

A. Judicial Appointments

Advice the National Judicial Council in nominating persons for Appointment, as respective Appointment to the office of:

 

(i)     The Chief Justice of Nigeria,


(ii)   A Justice of the Supreme Court,

(iii)  The President of the Court of Appeal

(iv)   A Justice of the Court of Appeal,

(v)    The Chief Judge of the Federal High 

        Court,

(vi)   A Judge of the Federal High Court,

(vii) The President of the National Industrial

       Court,

(viii)  A Judge of the National

        Industrial Court, and

            (ix)  The Chairman and Members of the

                   Code of Conduct Tribunal

B. Removal from Office

Recommend to the National Judicial Council the removal from office of the Judicial officers specified in  (Judicial Appointment section)

C. Staff Appointment & Discipline

Appoint, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over the Chief Registrar and Deputy Chief Registrars of the of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court and all other members of the Judicial Service of the Federation not otherwise specified in the Constitution and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

Also, Paragraph 22, Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic stipulates that the Secretary of the National Judicial Council shall be appointed by the National Judicial Council on the recommendation of the Federal Judicial Service Commission and shall be a Legal Practitioner.