The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for deeper judicial independence, stricter ethical discipline, and far-reaching reforms to restore public confidence in the Nigerian justice system.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call on Monday while delivering her keynote address at the opening of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja.
She emphasised that a judiciary that commands national respect must be firm in upholding independence, committed to strong ethical standards, and determined to eliminate administrative inefficiencies.
This is as she identified outdated infrastructure, intellectual complacency and corruption as recurring problems that continue to undermine the courts.
According to her, the judiciary still operates within a framework of financial dependence on the executive, a situation she said weakens true independence and threatens the integrity of justice delivery.
“A judiciary that commands respect must be unwavering in upholding independence, firm in strengthening ethical standards, and resolute in eliminating inefficiencies in court administration.
“True independence is the bedrock of justice; where it is absent, the temple of justice trembles.
“We must also acknowledge a difficult but undeniable truth: the judiciary continues to operate within a democratic framework where financial dependence on the Executive persists. Without genuine financial autonomy, judicial independence remains fragile.
“True independence is the bedrock of justice; where it is absent, the temple of justice trembles. Independence is not a privilege; it is a moral and constitutional obligation that guarantees fairness and equality before the law,” the CJN said.
Addressing the issue of corruption within the system, the CJN admitted that some judicial officers have fallen short of the ethical expectations of the Bench, adding that the National Judicial Council is being strengthened to carry out its disciplinary mandate with greater vigour, ensuring that the judicial robe “is never a cloak for impropriety but a symbol of incorruptible honour.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also condemned the growing trend of individuals rushing to the media to criticise or pre-empt judicial decisions without understanding the facts or the applicable law.
Such actions, she warned, corrode public trust and endanger the administration of justice, emphasising that judges speak only through their judgments and must remain guided by evidence and conscience, not by public opinion.
“A judiciary that fears public opinion more than the dictates of the law ceases to be the guardian of justice,” she said.
The CJN urged judges to prioritise substantive justice over technicalities and ensure that their decisions reflect fairness, equity and the spirit of the law.
She said courts must be sanctuaries of truth, accessible and efficient, and must lead the process of reform rather than merely adapting to change.
She described the biennial Judges’ Conference, convened by the National Judicial Institute, as a crucial platform for reflection, collaboration and strategic reform, adding that the 2025 theme, “Building a Confident Judiciary,” is timely given the challenges currently confronting the judicial sector and the growing public scrutiny of court processes.
She said the judiciary must confront the perception that its processes are slow, inefficient, or externally influenced, and respond with deliberate action that reassures citizens.
While acknowledging the judiciary’s historic role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, she said it must now go further by deepening democratic values through transparent and timely justice delivery.
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, in his remarks, called for renewed commitment to judicial excellence, integrity and institutional reform.
Justice Adejumo stressed that this is a moment of significant national importance, when public expectations of the judiciary are heightened and the cases before the courts continue to test the nation’s democratic resilience.
According to him, judicial confidence cannot be proclaimed but must be earned daily through courageous judgments, disciplined conduct, clear reasoning and unwavering integrity.
A judiciary worthy of public trust, he said, must be independent, fearless, ethically grounded, efficient, technologically adept, transparent and united in institutional purpose.
Justice Adejumo noted that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy is closely tied to the credibility of its courts.
“Where the judiciary inspires confidence, democracy grows stronger; where it falters, the foundations of the rule of law are threatened,” he said.
He highlighted the expanding role of the National Judicial Institute under Section 1 of the NJI Act, explaining that the Institute has broadened its curriculum to meet the demands of modern adjudication.
“Areas such as cybercrime, digital evidence, electoral law, anti-corruption jurisprudence, alternative dispute resolution and complex commercial litigation now form an integral part of judicial training.
“The Institute continues to deepen ethical standards, integrate technology-driven learning and strengthen the professionalism and competence required of judges,” he added.
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