By Solomon OKPO
President Bola Tinubu on Monday charged Nigerian judges to protect the integrity of the judiciary, warning that no reform in the justice sector can succeed if public trust is eroded. The President made the remarks in Abuja while declaring open the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
Addressing an audience that included serving and retired justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Courts nationwide, President Tinubu said the legitimacy of the judiciary rests not only on the soundness of its judgments but also on public perception of fairness and impartiality.
“Confidence is the lifeblood of justice,” Tinubu said, noting that even a legally sound ruling loses moral authority if citizens believe the process was compromised. He acknowledged growing public concerns about delays in the judicial process, questions about integrity, and limited access to justice, stressing that such perceptions “cannot be ignored.”
According to him, the frustrations expressed by the public should compel stakeholders to “reflect, reform, and restore” confidence in the courts, which he described as vital to Nigeria’s stability.
Tinubu reiterated that the true strength of the judiciary lies not in its infrastructure but in the calibre of those who interpret the law. Judicial welfare, training, and independence, he said, are non-negotiable requirements for a strong justice system.
He also renewed his administration’s commitment to improving court efficiency, promising material and institutional support to help eliminate delays. “Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he stated. “They must become beacons of efficiency.”
The President further credited the judiciary with helping to preserve Nigeria’s democracy over the years, commending its “fearless interventions” in moments of national uncertainty.
On modernisation efforts, Tinubu pledged continued investment in digital infrastructure, including case management systems and the digitisation of court processes, describing technology as “a necessity” for transparency and accountability.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, in her remarks, thanked the President for his support and stressed the need for judges to uphold integrity and strengthen institutional ethics. She described the conference as a platform for “retrospection, collaboration, and strategic resolutions” to advance justice delivery in the country.
The biennial conference drew participation from former and serving chief justices, appellate and high court judges, heads of courts, and other judicial officers from across Nigeria.
