Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says the judiciary has recorded major progress in regaining public trust through reforms and discipline.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, September 29, at the Supreme Court’s special session to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year, the CJN said the past year was defined by deliberate efforts to rebuild confidence in the courts.
“Since the start of the last legal year, we have been making efforts to restore public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun explained that the judiciary had prioritised reforms by upgrading court infrastructure, digitising records, tightening disciplinary measures for judges, and improving case management.
According to her, the creation of a Court Records Processing Unit and a Central Information Unit had helped curb sharp practices, while digitisation of court records ensured easier access for lawyers and litigants.
“We have embarked on a comprehensive programme to digitise court records, making them easily accessible and searchable,” she added.
On accountability, the CJN disclosed that the National Judicial Council reviewed petitions against judges, sanctioning those found guilty and publicly clearing those wrongly accused.
“Cleansing the Augean stables is a collective duty, and we remain committed to it. At the same time, where allegations were unsubstantiated, judicial officers were publicly exonerated,” she said.
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She also highlighted progress on staff welfare, noting that salaries were paid promptly and industrial harmony maintained through constructive engagement with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.
The CJN further commended the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) for speeding up corruption trials, disclosing that the EFCC secured 1,417 convictions in the first half of 2025.
“The past legal year has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to the speedy dispensation of justice,” she said, noting that the Supreme Court considered 2,280 matters and delivered 369 judgments.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also celebrated the elevation of 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), with a special tribute to Lawal Hudu Garba, who overcame physical disability to attain the prestigious rank.
“Your achievement is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the triumph of talent over adversity, and the fact that determination and professionalism know no bounds,” she said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), praised the CJN’s leadership, saying she had shown “capacity, courage, and commitment” in driving reforms.
The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), however raised concerns over the increasing number of political cases reaching the Supreme Court, describing it as an anomaly not seen in other countries.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), stressed the need for deeper reforms, particularly in digitisation, transparent appointments, and improved case management.
Justice Kekere-Ekun concluded her address with a call on lawyers to uphold professionalism, noting that the task of restoring trust in the judiciary must be a shared responsibility.