President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s judicial system, insisting that a functional, independent and well-equipped judiciary is central to the country’s democratic stability.
Speaking at the 2025 Conference of All Nigeria Judges of Superior Courts of Record in Abuja, the President said the judiciary must operate within a united democratic framework where all arms of government work collaboratively in service to Nigerians.
Tinubu emphasised the judiciary’s constitutional role, noting: “Their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability. In this regard, I wish to reaffirm with the clarity and conviction the unwavering commitment of my administration to support the judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional mandate. The judiciary does not exist in isolation.”
He said the courts remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democracy and must function with integrity, efficiency and capacity. “It functions within a larger democratic framework which all three arms of government must work in synergy with mutual respect and shared responsibility to the Nigerian people. The executive, the legislature, and the judiciary must remain united by purpose, even when separated by function,” he stated.
According to him, reforms must translate into meaningful improvements in the work environment of judges and the operations of courts. “We cannot build a just society without a fearless and functional judiciary. In this spirit, we have resolved to provide institutional and material support that will enable our court to perform their duties with dignity, confidence, and efficiency. Support must be tangible, not ceremonial, and I mean it,” Tinubu said.
The President stressed the need for modern, well-equipped courtrooms and faster justice delivery, adding that cases must no longer “languish for years.” He said technology would be central to transforming the system. “Technology is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. The digitisation of our court process, the adoption of the greatest case management system, and the provision of secure and reliable judicial facilities will receive sustained attention from this administration,” he noted.
Tinubu also highlighted the importance of transparency and trust. “A digital, transparent judiciary will not only improve efficiency, but also deepen accountability and public trust. We should not leave any of our courts behind in this transformation,” he added.
He described judges as “the living custodians of justice,” stressing that their welfare, training and independence are essential to sustaining the republic. “Our judges are the living custodians of justice. They define the modern strength of the republic,” he said.
The President also warned against corruption, insisting that judicial integrity must never be compromised. “No amount of reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale. The bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any form, or any arm of government, weakens the nation but corruption in judiciary destroys it to the core,” he warned.
Tinubu concluded by pledging firm support for efforts aimed at strengthening discipline within the judicial sector. “With utmost seriousness, my administration stands ready to support every effort by the judiciary to preserve its dignity and eliminate misconduct,” he said.
Ademide Adebayo
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