President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged judicial officers nationwide to maintain the sanctity of justice, warning that “justice must never be for sale.”
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the role of judges as the true custodians of justice and assured that his administration would continue to invest in judicial welfare, training, and the National Judicial Institute.
The President stressed that continuous professional development and ethical renewal should guide the Bench.
However, he cautioned that no reform would be effective without unwavering integrity.
He said, “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
Tinubu underscored that judicial discipline must be firm and transparent, noting that preserving the courts’ integrity is the duty of every judicial officer, not solely the National Judicial Council.
The President described the rising backlog of cases and the slow delivery of justice as unacceptable and detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic stability. He called on the Judiciary to adopt bold, practical reforms to restore public confidence and uphold the rule of law.
“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years. Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged public dissatisfaction with delayed judgments, questionable conduct, and limited access to justice, emphasizing the need for reflection and decisive reform.
“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for the Judiciary, the President promised improvements in capacity, working conditions, and infrastructure across the country. He stressed that technology must play a central role in court operations, with digitization and integrated case management driving future reforms.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. We will prioritise modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management. A digital, transparent judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust,” he stated.
He further urged judges to adopt reforms that strengthen discipline, reduce court congestion, and make justice more accessible and affordable for citizens.
In officially opening the conference, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic progress continues to be shaped by the fairness, courage, and integrity of judicial decisions. He expressed confidence that the conference outcomes would reinforce the Judiciary as the guardian of democratic ideals.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said.
