Federal Judicial Service Commission

The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) is an entity established by Section 153 (1) of the Constitution of Nigeria of 1999, as amended. Its primary responsibility is to advise the National Judicial Council (NJC) on nominations for key judicial appointments.^[1] These include positions like the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court, President of the Court of Appeal, among others. The FJSC is empowered to recommend the removal of judicial officers and exercises control over certain court personnel.^[2]

Federal Judicial Service Commission

Agency overview
Formed	1999
Jurisdiction	Federal Republic of Nigeria
Headquarters	Supreme Court Complex, Abuja
Agency executives	Justice Kayode Ariwoola, Chairman Halimatu Abdullahi Turaki, Secretary
Parent department	National Judicial Council
Website	fjsc.gov.ng

History

The FJSC was created in accordance with the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, 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.^[3]

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, President of the Court of Appeal, Attorney-General, 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.^[4]

Functions

The FJSC is primarily tasked with advising the NJC on judicial appointments and recommending the discipline or removal of judicial officers.^[5] 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.^[6]

References

1. Kincaid, J.; Moreno, M.F.; Colino, C.; Forum of Federations (2010). Diversity and Unity in Federal Countries. Global dialogue on federalism. Forum of Federations and International Association of Centers for Federal Studies. p. 242. ISBN 978-0-7735-3732-3. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
2. "National Judicial Council". njc.gov.ng. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
3. Nigeria. Bureau of Public Procurement (2008). Public Procurement Journal. Bureau of Public Procurement. p. 408. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
4. "MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION". FJSC. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
5. Imoedemhe, O.C. (2016). The Complementarity Regime of the International Criminal Court: National Implementation in Africa. Springer International Publishing. p. 168. ISBN 978-3-319-46780-1. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
6. Erugo, S.; Adekoya, C.O. (2018). Lawyering With Integrity: Essays In Honour of Ernest Ojukwu, SAN. Lulu.com. p. 328. ISBN 978-1-387-82457-1. Retrieved 28 October 2023.