The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says the judiciary has made “remarkable progress” in winning back public trust over the past legal year.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at a special Supreme Court session to launch the 2025/2026 legal year, she assured Nigerians that the judiciary remains committed to transparency, accountability, and reform.
“We’ve been working to restore public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary,” the CJN said. “Our focus has been on strengthening case management, disciplining erring officers, modernising court processes, and improving staff welfare.”
Key Reforms
Justice Kekere-Ekun listed several steps already taken:
Digitisation: Court records are now being digitised to make them easily searchable. The Receiving, Data-Entry, Exhibits, and Judgments Units have also been digitised, and a new Disposal Unit now archives concluded cases at the National Archives.
Streamlined Processes: The Supreme Court has moved towards e-filing and stricter timelines for filing and hearing cases. Dates for appeals are now fixed directly in court or on request by motion—eliminating third-party interference that once encouraged sharp practices.
Structural Changes: A Court Records Processing Unit now merges the old Process, Records, and File Units—helping to reduce incidents of missing files. A Central Information Unit was also set up to give lawyers and litigants quick access to case details.
Staff Welfare: Salaries and allowances are now paid promptly, existing welfare packages have been increased, and continuous training for judges and staff has been prioritised.
Discipline and Accountability
The CJN revealed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) reviewed all pending petitions against judicial officers in the last year—sanctioning those found guilty while clearing those wrongly accused.
She also disclosed that a “serial petitioner” had been barred from filing further frivolous complaints. Lawyers found to have breached professional ethics have been referred to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee.
Anti-Corruption Drive
Justice Kekere-Ekun praised the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO), led by retired Justice Suleiman Galadima, for speeding up corruption-related trials in collaboration with anti-graft agencies.
In the first two quarters of 2025 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured 1,417 convictions, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) recorded 43 new cases and 9 convictions.
Backlog and Performance
During the 2024/2025 legal year, which ended July 18, the Supreme Court handled 2,280 matters—including 1,720 motions and 560 appeals—and delivered 369 judgments, a significant rise from the 247 judgments delivered the previous year.
Honouring New SANs
The CJN congratulated 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), commending their dedication to justice. She singled out Lawal Hudu Garba, who, despite living with a physical disability, has excelled in the legal profession.
“Your achievement is proof that determination and professionalism know no bounds,” she told him.
Commendations and Concerns
Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) praised the CJN’s leadership and pledged to work with the judiciary to further reforms.
However, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), expressed concern over the rising tide of political cases at the apex court, saying such matters clog the system and urged politicians to respect election outcomes.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Afam Osigwe (SAN) called for faster constitutional rulings, fuller digitisation of court processes, fairer judicial appointments, and an end to the misuse of remand orders.
He reminded the new SANs that their title is “not an ornament, but a call to higher duty, integrity, and leadership.”
