CJN and Jurists Issue Stern Warning to Court Registrars Over Preferential Treatment
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has issued a strong caution to court registrars and judicial administrators against engaging in selective or preferential treatment of lawyers and litigants. She emphasized that such practices severely undermine public confidence in the judiciary, warning that Nigeria's courts cannot command trust unless ethical standards are upheld not only by judges but also by the administrative machinery that drives judicial processes.
Ethical Foundations of Judicial Administration
Delivering a keynote address through Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, a justice of the Supreme Court, at the opening of the National Workshop on Ethics for Judicial Administrators in Abuja, the CJN described judicial administration as the operational foundation upon which the legitimacy of the courts rests. She stressed that lapses at the registry level can erode confidence in even the most sound judicial decisions, making ethical conduct critical for maintaining institutional integrity.
The workshop, organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), drew senior court administrators from across the federation and was described as a timely intervention to reinforce ethical standards within the justice system. According to the CJN, justice delivery is a collective institutional process where judges interpret and apply the law, while judicial administrators ensure that cases are scheduled, records are properly managed, and court users are efficiently served.
Registry as the Public Face of the Judiciary
Emphasizing the centrality of the registry, the CJN described it as the public face of the judiciary, where most citizens form their impressions of the justice system. She noted that delays, lack of transparency, or discourtesy at this level can create the perception that the entire system is compromised. In a firm warning, she stated that registries must never become channels for preferential treatment or procedural manipulation, and judicial administrators must remain neutral and insulated from external pressures, personal interests, or informal influence.
She also underscored the duty of confidentiality, given the sensitive nature of court records and personal data handled by administrative staff. On the evolving nature of court operations, the CJN highlighted the growing use of digital systems, including e-filing and virtual proceedings. While acknowledging gains in efficiency and access, she cautioned that technology introduces new ethical challenges around data protection, cybersecurity, and transparency, stressing that technology must strengthen institutional integrity, not expose the justice system to vulnerabilities.
Linking Ethics to Judicial Independence and Public Trust
The CJN further linked ethical administration to judicial independence, emphasizing that prudent financial management and transparent accounting are critical to sustaining public trust. Calling for professionalism in everyday interactions, she said courtesy, fairness, and patience in dealing with litigants and lawyers are not optional but core ethical obligations. She urged judicial administrators to demonstrate moral courage by resisting improper directives and upholding due process at all times.
Expressing optimism that the workshop deliberations would yield actionable outcomes, the CJN urged participants to cascade lessons learned across their respective courts. She stated that strengthening ethics in judicial administration ultimately strengthens access to justice, reinforcing the rule of law and public confidence. She formally declared the workshop open, reiterating that the credibility of Nigeria's judiciary depends not only on the integrity of judges but also on the ethical discipline of those who manage its processes.
Institutional Backbone and Practical Concerns
Earlier, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, described participants as the institutional backbone of the courts, noting that their roles extend beyond routine duties to safeguarding the credibility and continuity of the justice system. He added that ethical challenges in judicial administration now intersect with broader governance issues, including accountability, personnel management, and financial oversight.
The workshop is expected to address practical concerns such as records management, staff discipline, professional boundaries, and service delivery standards. Facilitators at the five-day event included Mrs. Nnenna Onuoha, Chief Registrar of the Ebonyi State High Court; Murtala Halidu of the Kaduna State Judicial Service Commission; and Tajudeen Karanga, Chief Registrar of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal.
