The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The decision was made during an impromptu closed-door meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, originally scheduled for Friday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s recommendation comes as the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, prepares to retire on August 22, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In addition to recommending Justice Kekere-Ekun, the NJC has also put forward the names of 27 others for appointment as judges of the state high courts. The meeting is reported to be ongoing, with further recommendations expected.
This development marks a significant step in the leadership transition within Nigeria’s judiciary, with Justice Kekere-Ekun poised to take on the highest judicial role in the country, pending confirmation.