President Bola Tinubu on Monday issued a strong warning to judicial officers nationwide, insisting that justice must remain pure and free from corruption, declaring that “justice must never be for sale.”
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed that judges are the true custodians of justice.
He pledged continued federal support for their welfare, training, and the work of the National Judicial Institute, noting that continuous learning and ethical discipline must guide the judiciary.
However, the President stressed that no judicial reform can succeed without integrity at its core.
According to him, “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
Tinubu emphasized that judicial discipline must be both firm and transparent, adding that protecting the integrity of the courts is a responsibility shared by all judicial officers, not only the National Judicial Council.
The President also expressed concern over the growing backlog of cases and the slow pace of justice delivery, describing both as unacceptable and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He urged judges to implement bold and practical reforms aimed at restoring public confidence.
“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years. Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” he said.
Tinubu noted that Nigerians continue to complain about delayed verdicts, questionable judicial conduct, and difficulty accessing justice.
He said these concerns demand reflection and meaningful action.
“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he stated.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Judiciary, the President highlighted the need for better capacity, working conditions, and infrastructure across courts nationwide.
He added that technology must play a central role in future reforms.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. We will prioritise modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management. A digital, transparent judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust,” he said.
Tinubu also urged judges to adopt reforms that enhance discipline, reduce case congestion, and make justice more accessible and affordable to ordinary Nigerians.
Declaring the conference open, the President praised the Judiciary’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution, stressing that its decisions continue to define the nation’s stability and fairness.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said.
