President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian judiciary, calling for reforms that will restore public confidence and enhance the efficiency of the courts.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, the President praised the judiciary for its historic role in safeguarding democracy and preserving constitutional order.
Tinubu said the theme of this year’s conference, “Building a Confident Judiciary,” was timely, noting that public trust remains the foundation of judicial legitimacy.
“Confidence is the lifeblood of justice. A judgment may be grounded in law, but unless the public perceives it to be fair and impartial, its moral authority is diminished,” President Tinubu said.
He acknowledged concerns from citizens regarding delays, integrity issues, and access to justice, stressing that these perceptions must be confronted with bold reforms.
“These perceptions cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore. Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” he added.
The President pledged strong institutional support to the judiciary, emphasising improved working conditions, modern infrastructure and the full digitisation of court processes.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years. They must become beacons of efficiency,” Tinubu noted.
“Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.”
He stressed that judicial welfare, training, and independence remain essential, promising continued support for the National Judicial Institute.
Tinubu also warned against corruption within the judiciary, describing integrity as the bedrock of justice.
“Justice must never be for sale. Corruption in the Judiciary destroys the nation at its core,” he said.
“Only a Judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse society.”
The President urged judges to adopt practical solutions to reduce case backlogs, ensure discipline, and make justice more accessible to vulnerable Nigerians.
“A courageous, transparent, and principled Judiciary is the greatest guarantee of freedom,” he said.
“Ask the difficult questions: How do we strengthen discipline? How do we make justice affordable? How do we build a Judiciary that remains the last hope of the common man?”
Tinubu described judges as “guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience,” assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
He then declared the conference open, wishing participants fruitful deliberations and reaffirming the government’s belief in an independent, courageous, and modern judiciary.
