The Senate has confirmed Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following his screening at the plenary session of Wednesday, 21 September 2022.

During the screening session at plenary, Justice Ariwoola made a speech detailing his educational background and past work experiences after which lawmakers posed questions bordering on funding for the judiciary, appointment of court justices, judicial reforms, administration of justice welfare of judicial officers as well as accountability mechanisms for the judiciary.

In response to the questions asked by lawmakers, Justice Ariwoola explicitly stated that judicial reforms, funding for the judiciary and the welfare of judicial officers rested solely on the legislative arm of the government, noting that the effectiveness and efficiency of the judiciary needed to be improved.  Following the screening session, the Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Justice Ariwoola for appointment as the CJN.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had written to the Senate requesting the confirmation of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria shortly before the Senate proceeded for its annual recess on Wednesday, 27 July 2022.