President Bola Tinubu on Monday charged judges across the country to uphold the highest standards of integrity, warning that no amount of reform in the judiciary can succeed if public confidence is eroded.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, President Tinubu said the legitimacy of the judiciary rests on the perception that its decisions are fair, impartial and grounded in the constitution.
He said the theme of this year’s conference, “Building a Confident Judiciary,” reflects growing public concerns over delays in the judicial process, questions about integrity, and limited access to justice.
“Confidence is the lifeblood of justice,” the President said. “A judgment may be grounded in law and delivered with clarity, but unless the public perceives it to be fair and untainted, its moral authority is diminished.”
Tinubu noted that while some criticisms may not be entirely justified, they must not be ignored. He urged judicial officers to reflect, reform and restore public trust, saying justice exists for the people and is essential to national stability.
The President also stressed that the strength of the judiciary lies in the quality of judges who interpret and uphold the law.
“The true strength of the judiciary lies in the men and women who interpret the law. Judicial welfare, training and independence are not privileges — they are imperatives,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting judicial reforms, pledging improvements in infrastructure, digitisation of court processes, and faster dispensation of justice.
“Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he said. “They must become beacons of efficiency, where disputes are resolved swiftly and litigants depart with renewed confidence in the rule of law.”
He praised the judiciary for its role in preserving constitutional order during periods of national uncertainty, describing it as a “stabilising force” in Nigeria’s democracy.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, expressed appreciation for the President’s support, noting that the conference provides an opportunity for judicial officers to strengthen ethics, collaboration and public trust.
The biennial conference is being attended by former and serving Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, heads of courts, and other judges from across the country
