President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong challenge to Nigeria's judicial officers, calling on them to urgently restore public confidence in the justice system. The President delivered this message while addressing judges at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges' Conference of the Superior Courts held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja on Monday.
Judicial Integrity as Foundation for Reform
President Tinubu emphasized that no judicial reform can succeed if integrity is compromised, stating that trust rather than mere legal correctness represents the true measure of judicial legitimacy. He described the judiciary as Nigeria's historical stabilizing force that has consistently defended constitutional order during periods of national uncertainty.
The President declared that justice loses its power when the public doubts its fairness or impartiality, noting that even the most well-reasoned judgment becomes meaningless if citizens perceive it as tainted. He acknowledged existing public concerns about judicial delays, integrity issues, and limited access to justice, describing these as matters requiring honest reflection and genuine reform.
Building a Confident Judiciary for National Stability
Addressing the conference theme 'Building a Confident Judiciary,' Tinubu described it as both timely and compelling. He stressed that Nigeria's stability depends entirely on citizens' faith in the judicial process, emphasizing that justice exists primarily for the people rather than for legal professionals.
The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to judicial reform, calling for collaborative efforts among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. He noted that while these branches of government have separate functions, they must remain united in purpose to ensure national prosperity and democratic survival.
Concrete Reforms and Technological Advancement
President Tinubu pledged sustained government support for improved judicial welfare, modern infrastructure, and digital transformation of court processes. However, he cautioned that infrastructure alone cannot deliver justice, emphasizing that reforms must translate into functional courtrooms, reduced delays, and transparent processes that genuinely inspire public trust.
He urged judges to ensure that courts become beacons of efficiency where disputes are resolved promptly, rather than places where cases languish for years. The President stressed that judicial welfare, training, and independence represent imperatives rather than privileges for a functioning democracy.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun thanked the President for his commitment to justice, describing the conference as a vital platform for reflection and strengthening institutional ethics. She emphasized that the temple of justice trembles where justice is denied, calling on judicial officers to symbolize incorruptible honor.
Honourable Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, in his welcome address, described the gathering as the most distinguished assembly of judicial officers in Nigeria. He called for renewed dedication to integrity, professionalism, and public trust, noting that confidence must be earned daily through courageous judgments and disciplined conduct.
The biennial conference attracted former and serving Chief Justices of Nigeria, Presidents of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeal Justices, heads of various courts, and judges from across the country.
