The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) is an entity established by Section 153 (1) of the
Constitution of Nigeria
A constitution is the aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organization or other type of entity, and commonly determines how that entity is to be governed.
When these princ ...
of 1999, as amended. Its primary responsibility is to advise the
National Judicial Council (NJC) on nominations for key judicial appointments.
These include positions like the
Chief Justice of Nigeria
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. The current chief justice is Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who was appoi ...
, Justices of the
Supreme Court
In most legal jurisdictions, a supreme court, also known as a court of last resort, apex court, high (or final) court of appeal, and court of final appeal, is the highest court within the hierarchy of courts. Broadly speaking, the decisions of ...
, President of the
Court of Appeal
An appellate court, commonly called a court of appeal(s), appeal court, court of second instance or second instance court, is any court of law that is empowered to Hearing (law), hear a Legal case, case upon appeal from a trial court or other ...
, among others. The FJSC is empowered to recommend the removal of judicial officers and exercises control over certain court personnel.
History
The FJSC was created in accordance with the 1999
Nigerian Constitution
Nigerians or the Nigerian people are citizens of Nigeria or people with ancestry from Nigeria. The name Nigeria was derived from the Niger River running through the country. This name was allegedly coined in the late 19th century by British jo ...
, which marked the return to
democracy in Nigeria. It succeeded the former Federal Judicial Service Committee, dissolved in 1988, aiming to safeguard the judiciary's independence from executive influence.
Composition
Consisting of nine members, the FJSC is appointed by the
Nigerian President, upon the NJC's recommendation. The members include the
Chief Justice of Nigeria
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. The current chief justice is Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who was appoi ...
, President of the
Court of Appeal
An appellate court, commonly called a court of appeal(s), appeal court, court of second instance or second instance court, is any court of law that is empowered to Hearing (law), hear a Legal case, case upon appeal from a trial court or other ...
,
Attorney-General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general (: attorneys general) or attorney-general (AG or Atty.-Gen) is the main legal advisor to the government. In some jurisdictions, attorneys general also have executive responsibility for law enf ...
, Chief Judge of the
Federal High Court, President of the
National Industrial Court, legal practitioners, and individuals recognized for their integrity. Halimatu Abdullahi Turaki serves as the Secretary and Chief Executive of the Commission.
Functions
The FJSC is primarily tasked with advising the NJC on judicial appointments and recommending the discipline or removal of judicial officers.
It holds the authority to manage personnel in specific courts and is empowered to perform various functions conferred by law. Ancillary tasks include organizing training programs, publishing judicial materials, maintaining a website, collaborating with judicial bodies, and contributing to the promotion of the rule of law and judicial reforms.
See also
*
National Judicial Institute
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Federal Judicial Service Commission
Government of Nigeria
Law of Nigeria
Judiciary of Nigeria