Tinubu Reaffirms Support for Judicial Reforms, Says ‘Justice Must Never Be For Sale’
Tinubu: Judiciary Needs Stronger Capacity, Modern Infrastructure and Unshakable Integrity to Safeguard Nigeria’s Democracy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s judicial system, stressing that a functional, independent and properly equipped judiciary is essential to the stability of the country’s democracy.
Speaking at the 2025 Conference of All Nigeria Judges of Superior Courts of Record in Abuja, the President said the judiciary must operate within a cohesive democratic framework where all three arms of government work collaboratively in service to the Nigerian people.
Tinubu underscored the constitutional importance of the courts, saying: “The people’s faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability. I reaffirm, with clarity and conviction, the unwavering commitment of my administration to support the judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional mandate. The judiciary does not exist in isolation.”
He described the courts as a critical pillar of democratic governance and insisted they must operate with integrity, efficiency, and sufficient capacity. “Our democracy requires synergy, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. We must remain united in purpose, even though our functions differ,” Tinubu said.
The President added that judicial reforms must translate into real improvements in the working conditions of judges and in the overall operations of the courts. “We cannot build a just society without a fearless and functional judiciary. This is why we are resolved to provide institutional and material support that enables our courts to perform their duties with dignity, confidence, and efficiency. Support must be tangible, not ceremonial,” he said.
Tinubu stressed the need for modern, well-equipped courtrooms, improved case management, and faster justice delivery, saying cases must no longer “languish for years.” He emphasized that technology would be a major driver of the needed transformation. “Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. The digitisation of court processes, the adoption of advanced case management systems, and the provision of secure, reliable judicial facilities will receive sustained attention from this administration.”
Highlighting the link between transparency and public trust, the President stated: “A digital, transparent judiciary will not only improve efficiency but also deepen accountability and rebuild public confidence. We must not leave any court behind in this transformation.”
Tinubu described judges as “the living custodians of justice,” noting that their welfare, training, and independence remain vital to the strength of the republic. “Our judges define the modern strength of the nation,” he said.
He also warned that integrity must remain uncompromised, insisting that corruption within the judicial system poses a grave threat to national stability. “No reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale. 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,” the President cautioned.
Tinubu concluded by pledging firm support for efforts to strengthen accountability and discipline in the judicial sector. “With utmost seriousness, my administration stands ready to support every effort by the judiciary to preserve its dignity and eliminate misconduct,” he said.