The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, has urged the Nigerian judiciary to strengthen public confidence by upholding integrity, consistency, and transparency in the administration of justice.
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Fagbemi made the call on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja, during the special session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year and the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 57 new inductees.
In his address, the AGF commended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, for her “capacity, courage, and commitment” to judicial reforms since her appointment in September 2024, noting her efforts in strengthening case management, addressing conflicting decisions, enforcing new Supreme Court rules, and promoting digitalisation of court processes.
Highlighting landmark rulings delivered in the past legal year, Fagbemi recalled the November 2024 decisions of the apex court which upheld the prosecutorial powers of anti-graft agencies in AG Kogi State v. AG Federation and struck down the National Lottery Act in AG Lagos v. AG Federation, describing them as judgments that deepened constitutionalism and strengthened democracy.
The AGF, however, expressed concern over growing negative perceptions about the judiciary, citing allegations of corruption, undue influence, and inconsistent rulings. He stressed that “the judiciary must not only deliver justice, it must do so transparently, consistently, and with intellectual rigour,” adding that it must remain “above reproach, like Caesar’s wife.”
Turning to the newly conferred SANs, Fagbemi congratulated them but reminded them of their heightened responsibilities. He urged them to uphold professional ethics, avoid misconduct, and serve as mentors and reform advocates. “The rank of SAN is a reputable one—you must guard it jealously,” he said, warning against conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the profession both locally and internationally.
Fagbemi also addressed recent complaints of misconduct against senior members of the bar, including a controversial ruling from an English property tribunal in September 2025 which he described as damaging to Nigeria’s legal reputation. He vowed that his office would verify such allegations and work with disciplinary bodies to ensure accountability, stressing that no lawyer, regardless of rank, should be above the law.
On justice sector reforms, the AGF noted that the Federal Ministry of Justice had intensified efforts to enhance access to justice, decongest custodial centres, and review outdated laws. He confirmed that the Fapohunda Committee had nearly completed its review of 1,509 federal Acts and subsidiary legislations.
He pledged the Ministry’s continued commitment to implementing the National Justice Policy adopted in 2024, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and called for greater collaboration with state governments, the judiciary, and international partners to strengthen Nigeria’s justice delivery system.
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Concluding, Fagbemi wished the judiciary, the bar, and the new silks a successful legal year, quoting the Quran (1:6): “Guide us to the straight path.”
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