Delta Assembly approves judicial reforms, raises High Court Judges to 50

The Delta State House of Assembly has passed two bills aimed at strengthening the state’s judiciary, including a proposal to increase the number of High Court judges from 46 to 50.

The bills, known as the Delta State High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 48), and the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 49), were approved during plenary after completing their Third Reading.

The proposed amendment to the High Court law will raise the statutory number of judges by four, bringing the total from 46 to 50.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, praised the lawmakers for the swift passage of the two bills.

He said the development reflected the commitment of the House to supporting reforms that would strengthen the state’s judicial system.

He said the move indicated the 8th Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the judicial arm of government and ensuring timely access to justice for Deltans.

Guwor, who spoke immediately after the passage of the bills, said the increase in the number of High Court judges was necessary to address rising case loads and reduce pressure on the existing judges.

The Speaker said: “Distinguished colleagues, I thank all of you for the successful passage of the Delta State High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 48).

“It is my strong belief that this increase will reduce the pressure of case loads on our Judges and ultimately enhance the effective administration of Justice in our dear State.”

On the Customary Court of Appeal Amendment Bill, he said the amendment would strengthen the structure and operations of the court and facilitate faster and more efficient justice delivery.

“I am indeed grateful to all of you for the successful passage of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 49).

“This amendment will enhance justice delivery in the Customary Court of Appeal system. Thank you for the quick passage of this Bill,” Guwor said.

The Speaker also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for forwarding the two Executive Bills to the House, describing the initiative as timely and necessary to reposition the state’s justice sector.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor said the bills reflected the government’s commitment to providing the courts with adequate manpower and a stronger institutional framework to meet the growing demand for justice.

He also praised the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, saying it had continued to produce people-oriented legislation.

Guwor assured the people that the 8th Assembly would remain committed to enacting laws aimed at decongesting court dockets and ensuring speedy dispensation of cases across the state.

The two bills will now be transmitted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for assent.

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