President Bola Tinubu has called on judges across the country to take urgent steps to fix delays, strengthen discipline, and rebuild public trust in the justice system, warning that the courts cannot afford to lose their credibility.
Speaking on Monday, November 17, at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, Tinubu said the Judiciary remains the backbone of the nation’s democracy, but its legitimacy is threatened when justice is slow or compromised.
He reminded judicial officers that their work carries enormous responsibility.
While promising continued support through better training, welfare, and improved court infrastructure, he stressed that reforms mean little if integrity is lacking.
“Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise,” Tinubu said.
“Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
The President warned that the growing backlog of cases and the slow pace of justice delivery have become unacceptable, saying Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by delayed judgments and questionable judicial conduct.
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“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he said, adding that citizens’ faith in the courts is crucial for national stability.
He noted that public concerns about access to justice cannot be dismissed, even if some complaints stem from perception rather than fact.
“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he added.
Tinubu outlined his administration’s commitment to modernising the Judiciary through digital systems, integrated case management, and infrastructure upgrades that make court processes faster and more transparent.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial,” he said. “We will prioritise modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management.”
He urged judges to embrace reforms that strengthen discipline, reduce congestion in courts, and make justice accessible and affordable to the average Nigerian.
As he declared the conference open, Tinubu highlighted how vital the Judiciary is to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said.