Tinubu to judges: Integrity is bedrock of judicial reform

President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged Nigerian judges to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary, warning that no reform can succeed if public trust is compromised.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, the President said the judiciary must confront growing public concerns about delays, access to justice, and allegations of compromised processes.

“Confidence is the lifeblood of justice,” Tinubu said.

“A judgment may be grounded in law, but unless the public perceives it as fair and untainted, its moral authority is diminished.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence, improving welfare, and modernising court infrastructure through digitisation and efficient case management systems.

“Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he stated.

“A strong, efficient and incorruptible judiciary is indispensable to our democracy.”

Tinubu praised past judicial interventions that helped stabilise the nation, pledging continued support for the National Judicial Institute.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, thanked the President for his support, urging judges to embody “incorruptible honour” and recommit to fairness and accessibility in the justice system.

The biennial conference drew serving and retired justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts nationwide.