Chief Justice of Nigeria

Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of Nigeria
since 22 August 2024
Supreme Court of Nigeria
StyleMadam Chief Justice
(informal)
Your Honor
(within court)
The Honorable
(formal)
StatusChief justice
Member ofFederal judiciary
National Judicial Council
SeatSupreme Court Building, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, FCT
AppointerThe President
with Senate advice and consent
Term lengthResignation
Death
Attainment of age 70
Constituting instrumentConstitution of Nigeria
Formation1914
(110 years ago) (1914)
1 October 1963
(61 years ago) (1963-10-01) Supreme Court of Nigeria
First holderSir Edwin Speed (colonial)
Sir Adetokunbo Ademola (Indigenous)
Websitehttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ng/

The chief justice of Nigeria or CJN is the head of the judicial arm of the government of Nigeria, and presides over the country's Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council.[1] The current chief justice is Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who was appointed on 22 August 2024.[2] She was appointed acting chief justice of the Federation upon the retirement of incumbent chief justice, Olukayode Ariwoola. The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest court in Nigeria and its decisions are final.[3] The chief justice of Nigeria is nominated by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon recommendation by the National Judicial Council and is subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.[4] The CJN holds office at the pleasure of the Nigerian constitution and can only be removed from office by death or on attainment of age 70 whichever occurs first or by impeachment by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which requires a super majority of the members of the Nigerian Senate.[5]

  1. ^ "Constitution". The National Judicial Council. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  2. ^ "Senate confirms Muhammad as Chief Justice of Nigeria". 17 July 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Wike: Finality of Supreme Court decision is sacrosanct". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Presidency Forwards Justice Walter Onnoghen's Name to Senate For Confirmation as CJN – PLAC Legist". Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Judges retirement age and effective justice system". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 7 March 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2022.