President Bola Tinubu on Monday warned that integrity is judiciary’s lifeblood, declaring that justice cannot be bought and the courts must never accommodate compromise.
“Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise,” Tinubu said at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
Delivering the keynote address, the President said corruption on the Bench destroys the nation at its core and discipline must be firm, transparent and consistent.
“Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the judiciary destroys it at its core.
“With utmost seriousness, my administration stands ready to support every effort by the judiciary to preserve its dignity and eliminate misconduct.
“Only a judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse society,” he emphasised.
Tinubu reminded participants that courts are instruments of justice for citizens and urged practical decisions to cut case backlogs, strengthen discipline and widen access for the poor and voiceless.
He said, “My Lords, as you deliberate in the coming days, I want you to remember that the judiciary is not an end in itself; it is an instrument of justice for the people.
“This is why I urge you, in your discussions, to be bold and practical. Go beyond diagnosing old challenges and commit to actionable solutions.
“How do we reduce the backlog of cases? How do we strengthen discipline within the ranks?
“How do we make justice more affordable and accessible to the poor, the weak, and the voiceless?
“And above all, how do we build a judiciary that truly remains the last hope of the common man?” he queried.
Tinubu noted that whenever Nigeria has faced moments of uncertainty, history has recorded that the judiciary stood firm as the stabilising force of our national life.
“For this enduring role, I extend, on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, our deepest gratitude and abiding respect,” he noted.
Framing the conference’s theme, “Building a Confident Judiciary”, the President said justice only endures where the public trusts the process.
He acknowledged frustrations from Nigerians over delays, questions of integrity and barriers to access, insisting those perceptions demand reform because courts exist for the people.
“The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Building a Confident Judiciary,’ could not be more fitting. Confidence is the lifeblood of justice.
“We must acknowledge, with candour, that public perception of the judicial process has not always been favourable. Their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” Tinubu stated.
The President reaffirmed support for the Bench within a democratic framework that demands synergy among all arms of government.
He said a fearless, efficient and upright Judiciary is indispensable to Nigeria’s prosperity.
The President said, “I wish to reaffirm, with clarity and conviction, the unwavering commitment of my administration to supporting the Judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
“My administration believes that a judiciary that is strong in capacity, efficient in process, and uncompromising in integrity is not merely desirable; it is indispensable to the survival of our democracy and the prosperity of our nation.”
“We have resolved to provide the institutional and material support that will enable our courts to perform their duties with dignity, confidence, and efficiency.”
He promised tangible backing, better working conditions, modern courtrooms and a digital justice system to end interminable delays and improve transparency.
“The modernisation of judicial infrastructure remains a central priority. Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said.
According to the President, the administration will pay sustained attention to the digitisation of court processes, the adoption of integrated case management systems, and the provision of secure and reliable judicial facilities.
“A digital, transparent judiciary will not only improve efficiency but will also deepen accountability and public trust,” he declared.
The President stressed that people, not buildings or screens, deliver justice.
Therefore, he pledged stronger welfare, training and independence, with the National Judicial Institute remaining the hub for continuous learning as the law evolves.
“Yet, bricks and mortar or even digital screens do not make justice. The true strength of the Judiciary lies in the men and women who interpret the law and give life to its spirit.
“We will continue to support the National Judicial Institute as the leading hub for judicial education, comparative study, and professional development.”
“We must ensure that our judges are not only equipped to interpret law in contemporary times but also empowered to shape it in accordance with constitutional values,” he noted.
Calling judges “guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience,” Tinubu pledged to stand beside the Bench as it shapes the country’s democratic destiny.
“Distinguished judges and delegates, I see before me not just interpreters of the law, but guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience and architects of her democratic destiny,” he said, adding, “The task is weighty, but it is noble, and I assure you that this administration will continue to stand beside you, listen to you, and support you in fulfilling this sacred responsibility.”
He charged the judiciary to write a chapter marked by integrity and courage, formally opening the conference.
“Let me conclude by reminding us all that the story of our democracy is still being written.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said.