President Bola Tinubu has issued a powerful call to the Nigerian judiciary, demanding decisive actions to tackle deep-seated concerns about its integrity and efficiency. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja on Monday, the President warned that justice must never be for sale.
A Call for a Confident and Efficient Judiciary
President Tinubu stated that Nigerian citizens have voiced profound frustration over prolonged court delays and growing anxiety about their ability to access justice. He emphasized that the courts must transform from places where cases languish for years into beacons of efficiency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years; they must become beacons of efficiency, where disputes are resolved swiftly, he declared, underscoring that this is vital for reinforcing the rule of law.
He described the conference's theme, Building a Confident Judiciary, as highly appropriate, noting that confidence is the lifeblood of justice. The President assured the judiciary of his administration's full support in preserving its dignity and eliminating misconduct, stating this is a collective duty for every judicial officer, not just the National Judicial Council.
Tangible Support and Technological Modernization
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to providing the institutional and material support needed for the judiciary to perform its duties with dignity and efficiency. He stressed that this support must be tangible, translating into improved working conditions, modern infrastructure, and well-equipped courtrooms.
He highlighted the modernization of judicial infrastructure as a central priority, declaring that technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. The digitization of court processes, adoption of case management systems, and provision of reliable facilities will receive sustained attention to improve efficiency, accountability, and public trust.
The Imperative of Integrity and Discipline
Beyond infrastructure, the President focused on the human element, stating that the true strength of the judiciary lies in its judges. He described them as the living custodians of justice and affirmed that judicial welfare, training, and independence are imperatives.
However, he delivered a stark warning on integrity: No amount of reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. He stated that corruption in the judiciary destroys the nation at its core, undermining governance and democracy. He called for firm, transparent, and consistent discipline within the judiciary, asserting that only a judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse society.
In his concluding remarks, President Tinubu urged the judges to be bold and practical in their deliberations, focusing on actionable solutions to reduce case backlogs, strengthen internal discipline, and make justice more accessible to the poor and voiceless. He charged them to build a judiciary that truly remains the last hope of the common man.
