The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has stressed that the Judiciary’s legitimacy and effectiveness depend not only on legal interpretation but also on public trust and responsible financial management.
Speaking at the opening of a national workshop on judicial financial management in Abuja—organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI)—the CJN emphasized that true judicial excellence is reflected in both the quality of judgments and the transparency of court governance.
“It is crucial that we address the systemic challenges that hinder financial efficiency in the judiciary,” she said. Her remarks were delivered by the NJI Administrator, Justice Salisu Abdullahi.
Justice Kekere-Ekun identified administrative inefficiencies, outdated financial systems, procedural bottlenecks, and weak internal controls as factors responsible for delays and reduced capacity in delivering justice.
She reiterated that financial autonomy is an essential pillar of judicial independence, warning that a judiciary reliant on executive goodwill cannot function independently. However, she was quick to stress that autonomy must go hand-in-hand with accountability.
“We cannot demand independence without showing commitment to probity, due process, and value-driven decision-making,” she stated.
The CJN called on court registrars, financial controllers, administrators, and judicial officers to transform financial systems through strategic planning, data-driven budgeting, and ethical leadership.
“Reactive administration must give way to proactive governance built on vision and best practices,” she urged. She reminded participants that every naira allocated to the judiciary represents a trust from the Nigerian people to uphold justice with integrity and accessibility.
Earlier in the program, Justice Abdullahi, in his welcome address delivered by NJI Secretary Mr. Olumo Abdulazeez, emphasized that sound financial management is crucial to judicial independence and maintaining public trust.
He noted that every financial decision—from budgeting to procurement—must meet the highest standards of accountability and foresight.
According to him, the workshop, themed “Optimising Judicial Resources for Effectiveness,” is designed to strengthen institutional performance and enhance the judiciary’s ability to serve Nigerians with credibility and excellence.
