‘Justice Must Never Be For Sale’: Tinubu Restates Backing for Sweeping Judicial Reforms
Nigeria’s judicial sector took centre stage on Monday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to reinforce the strength, independence and operational capacity of the nation’s courts—an intervention he described as indispensable to democratic stability and public trust.
Addressing participants at the 2025 Conference of All Nigeria Judges of Superior Courts of Record in Abuja, the President underscored the need for all branches of government to work cohesively toward a justice system that truly serves the Nigerian people. PulseNets learnt that the President’s message heavily emphasised unity, institutional integrity and practical reforms.
Tinubu highlighted the judiciary’s constitutional mandate, stressing that public confidence remains the bedrock of national cohesion. According to him,
“The faith of our citizens in the judicial process is the lifeline of our stability. I wish to restate, with absolute clarity, my administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering the judiciary to carry out its constitutional duties. The judiciary does not stand alone.”
He reminded the gathering that the courts remain central to Nigeria’s democracy and must operate with credibility and efficiency.
“Our system works only when all three arms function in harmony, guided by mutual respect and shared responsibility to the Nigerian people. The executive, the legislature, and the judiciary must stay united in purpose, even if distinct in roles,” he noted.
PulseNets obtained from senior officials present that the administration is determined to ensure these reforms translate into practical improvements in the daily work of judges and court operations nationwide. Tinubu stated emphatically:
“We cannot build a just nation without a courageous and functional judiciary. That is why we are committed to providing concrete institutional and material support that allows our courts to deliver justice with dignity and efficiency. Support must be real—never symbolic.”
The President further stressed the urgency of modernising judicial infrastructure, insisting that courtrooms must be adequately equipped and justice delivery accelerated so that cases no longer “linger endlessly.” He added that technological advancement would be the backbone of this transformation.
“Technology has become a necessity. The digitisation of court processes, modern case management systems, and secure judicial facilities will receive sustained attention from this administration,” he said.
A senior judicial officer who spoke to PulseNets noted that the President’s message aligns with ongoing efforts to introduce full digital tracking of cases across federal courts.
Tinubu also highlighted transparency as a non-negotiable pillar of reform, insisting that improved efficiency must go hand in hand with public accountability.
“A digital and transparent judiciary will deepen trust and strengthen accountability. No court must be left behind in this transformation,” he declared.
Describing judges as “the living custodians of justice,” he emphasised that their welfare, training and independence must remain sacrosanct to the survival of the republic.
The President issued a stern warning on the dangers of corruption within the judiciary, insisting that justice must remain unsullied. “No reform can succeed where integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale. The bench cannot be a refuge for compromise. Corruption anywhere weakens the nation, but corruption in the judiciary destroys it entirely,” he cautioned.
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He rounded off by promising full support for disciplinary mechanisms that uphold the dignity and credibility of the judicial sector.
“My administration stands fully prepared to back every effort aimed at preserving the sanctity of the judiciary and eliminating misconduct,” he concluded.
