The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed deep concerns over persistent challenges facing the judiciary, including allegations of corruption, delays in justice delivery, and perceived bias. Despite ongoing reforms and interventions, she noted that these issues continue to undermine public trust and the credibility of the judicial system.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the judiciary must take decisive steps to restore confidence in its operations. She acknowledged that public perception of inefficiency and misconduct remains a serious issue, weakening the judiciary’s moral authority and creating a disconnect between the courts and the people they serve.
“In spite of our collective efforts, challenges persist. Allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern,” she stated.
The CJN stressed that the judiciary’s role as the guardian of justice and the final arbiter in disputes is heavily dependent on public confidence. Without trust, she warned, the institution’s ability to carry out its constitutional mandate would be significantly impaired.
“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired,” she added.
Kekere-Ekun further emphasized that judicial officers must not only be impartial in their rulings but must also ensure that they are seen to be impartial. She urged judges to uphold integrity, professionalism, and transparency to safeguard the judiciary’s credibility.
“It is not enough to be impartial; we must also be seen to be impartial,” she reiterated.
Echoing her concerns, Salisu Abdullahi, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), described the theme of the refresher course, Strengthening Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary, as timely and crucial. He pointed out that trust in the judiciary is not automatic, nor is it guaranteed to endure without deliberate and continuous efforts.
“Trust in the judiciary, like any cherished value, is neither automatic nor enduring without deliberate action,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the refresher course provides an opportunity for judicial officers to reflect on and address the factors that could erode public confidence in the judiciary. The training, organized by the NJI, forms part of its continuous professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing judicial competence and ethical conduct.
As Nigeria’s judiciary faces increasing scrutiny from the public, the call for urgent reforms and accountability has never been louder. The CJN’s remarks underscore the need for judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of fairness and professionalism to ensure that the judiciary remains a trusted institution in the country’s democratic framework.
