Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says the process of appointing judges in Nigeria has become more open and transparent.
A statement by her media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, said the CJN made the remarks while delivering a paper titled “Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for a Better Future” at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.
She noted that the National Judicial Council (NJC), at its 108th meeting in April, approved a new policy requiring the publication of names of judicial nominees and inviting public input before appointments are finalised. According to her, the measure introduces an additional layer of transparency, allowing stakeholders to raise objections, provide information, or endorse candidates.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who also chairs the NJC, said the policy is designed to strengthen accountability, build public trust, and align Nigeria’s procedures with international best practices, including the Constitution Hill Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments issued in September 2024.
She added that Nigerians had already begun to engage with the process in the most recent exercise, stressing that visible diversity on the Supreme Court bench enhances public confidence in a plural society.
The CJN, however, acknowledged lingering challenges, including executive delays in approving NJC recommendations, the demands of security vetting, and debates over balancing merit with Federal Character requirements. Despite these, she assured that only candidates meeting constitutional, professional, and ethical standards would be appointed.
While in Banjul, Justice Kekere-Ekun also visited the Nigerian High Commission, where she was received by the chargé d’affaires, Muhammed Mainasara Usman, and other officials.
