Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised alarm over persistent corruption allegations, judicial delays, and bias that continue to erode public trust in the judiciary. Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 refresher course for superior court judges, she stressed that despite ongoing reforms, these issues remain a major concern. She warned that the judiciary’s credibility and moral authority are at risk if urgent steps are not taken to restore confidence through transparency, integrity, and efficiency.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the judiciary does not operate in isolation but derives its legitimacy from the trust of the people. She cautioned that even the perception of bias or misconduct could be as harmful as actual wrongdoing. Echoing her concerns, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi, highlighted the need for judicial officers to actively earn public trust through fairness and professionalism. He stated that a judiciary without public confidence loses its ability to uphold justice effectively.
The judicial refresher course, themed “Strengthening Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary,” aims to equip judges with practical strategies to tackle these challenges. Justice Abdullahi noted that continuous professional development is essential in maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that judges remain committed to upholding the rule of law. The initiative is part of broader efforts to rebuild trust and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary.