President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s judiciary to remain steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible in the discharge of its duties, warning that the collapse of any society begins when its interpreters of law become compromised.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges, the President—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. He noted that recent remuneration reviews were part of broader efforts to strengthen judicial independence.
Tinubu stressed that the moral foundation of the nation rests on the integrity of its judicial system, saying, “We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience.”
Addressing public concerns about delayed adjudication in high-profile corruption cases, the President observed that cybercrime matters often receive swifter judgments. “There is consternation over decisions of courts in serious corruption cases that make society feel short-changed,” he said.
The President, however, maintained that his administration has not interfered with the judiciary or anti-graft agencies. “No one can accuse this administration of shielding political actors because of their affiliation. We have allowed both the judiciary and anti-corruption bodies to exercise their constitutional powers,” he stated.
Highlighting progress in the anti-corruption campaign, Tinubu revealed that the EFCC secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets exceeding ₦500 billion within the first two years of his administration. He added that the recovered funds are being channelled into social investment programmes, including the Students Loan and Consumer Credit Schemes.
On the need for capacity building, the President urged judges to embrace continuous learning in handling technologically driven crimes, especially those involving cryptocurrencies. “Learning and relearning is now essential for relevance in this digital age,” he said.
Tinubu reminded judicial officers that corruption affects everyone equally, saying, “Your vantage position on the Bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption. A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right.”
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasized that judicial officers must be deliberate and firm in the application of constitutional tools. She noted that the judiciary’s strength lies in the trust Nigerians place in it and urged judges to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor partial.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, said the fight against corruption requires joint efforts from the legislature, judiciary, and citizens. He assured that the National Assembly will continue supporting law enforcement agencies to ensure corruption finds no refuge in the country.
Administrator of the NJI, B.A. Adejumo, described the workshop as a vital milestone in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts, calling for continued collaboration between the EFCC, the judiciary, and the Institute.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede (SAN) noted that the Supreme Court’s recent decision affirming the Commission’s mandate has reinforced the nation’s anti-corruption institutions. He added that “the record of 4,111 convictions and significant asset recoveries could not have been achieved without an effective judiciary.”
