Niger: Concerns over stalemate in appointment of High Court judges

Some members of the Niger State Judiciary have expressed concerns over the state government’s delay in making statutory provisions for the appointment of High Court judges by the National Judicial Commission.

DAILY POST learnt that the appointments are anticipated to fill the vacant positions in the High Court and Sharia Court of Appeal benches.

Recall that on May 5, 2025, the National Judicial Council published the list of judicial officers recommended for appointment to the superior courts of record.

On the list sighted by DAILY POST, 14 candidates from Niger State were shortlisted for the High Court and Sharia Court of Appeal.

Among the shortlisted candidates for the High Court bench are Ahmad Ndajiwo, Saadatu Gambo, Adamu Abubakar, Suleiman Wushishi, Isah Adamu Evuti, Abdullahi Alkali, Murtala Ibrahim, and Hauwa Kullu Isah.

Among other concerns, it was alleged that the non-provision of official residences and vehicles has stalled the appointment of judges from the state.

Sources who spoke to DAILY POST appealed to the governor to expedite provision in the overall interest of the state and justice.

Attempts to get the reaction of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, were unsuccessful.

However, the spokeswoman for the National Judicial Council, Kemi Ogedengbe, said she’s not aware of the cause of the delay in making the provision.

When asked by DAILY POST if provision of a vehicle and residence are a prerequisite for judges’ appointments, she responded in the affirmative.

“To answer your question. Yes, it is a must; the state government must provide housing and official cars. You can’t expect a High Court judge to work with a private vehicle or hired taxi to the office,” she said.

Niger: Concerns over stalemate in appointment of High Court judges