By Oso Abidemi
President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged Nigerian judges to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary, warning that no reform can succeed if the Bench loses public confidence.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, Tinubu said the judiciary’s strength lies in its moral authority and the nation’s trust in its decisions.
“Confidence is the lifeblood of justice,” he said. “A judgment may be grounded in law, but unless the public perceives it as fair and untainted, its authority is diminished.”
He acknowledged concerns over delays, integrity issues and access to justice, stressing that public frustration must be addressed through deliberate reforms.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, welfare and training, describing them as essential, not optional.
He also pledged sustained support for the digitisation of court processes to improve speed and transparency.
“Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he said. “They must be beacons of efficiency where disputes are resolved promptly.”
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, thanked the President for his support and urged judges to remain symbols of “incorruptible honour.”
The conference was attended by current and former Chief Justices, appellate justices, heads of courts and judges from across the country.
