Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong warning to Nigerian judges, insisting that justice must remain sacred and never be influenced by corruption or personal interest. Speaking at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, themed “Building a Confident Judiciary,” the president addressed widespread concerns about delayed court processes, limited access to justice, and public mistrust in the judicial system.
Tinubu urged judges to uphold integrity, fairness, and courage in their decision-making, stressing that judicial power exists for the people, not for the Bench or the Bar.
“Justice must never be sold. The judiciary exists to serve the people,” he said, adding that any judgment—no matter how sound in law—loses legitimacy if citizens believe it is unfair or compromised.
The president emphasized the central role of the judiciary in protecting democracy and maintaining public confidence. He noted that without trust in the justice system, democratic institutions weaken and governance breaks down.
Tinubu called for closer collaboration between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, describing a principled and efficient court system as essential to Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity.
President Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector. He announced plans to enhance judicial infrastructure, deploy digital case management systems, and modernize courtrooms across the country in order to improve transparency and speed up case resolutions.
He also pledged continued investment in judicial welfare and training, acknowledging the National Judicial Institute’s role in equipping judges with skills required for an evolving legal landscape.
Tinubu condemned corruption in all its forms, warning that any compromise by judicial officers threatens good governance and undermines democracy. He urged judges to confront challenges such as:
- Persistent case backlogs
- Ethical breaches within the judiciary
- High cost of legal services
- Barriers preventing vulnerable citizens from accessing justice
The president described judges as “guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience” and called on them to deliver rulings that uphold equality, strengthen public trust, and ensure every citizen’s voice is heard.
President Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his vision of a justice system that is transparent, accountable, and firmly committed to fairness. He assured judges of his administration’s full support in enabling them to carry out their responsibilities with dignity and integrity.

