President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigerian judiciary to remain steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible in the discharge of its constitutional duties, warning that the moral collapse of any nation begins when those entrusted with interpreting its laws lose their sense of integrity.
The President made this appeal through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges held in Abuja. The workshop was organised to strengthen collaboration between the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies in the fight against economic crimes and to enhance the efficiency of justice delivery across the country.
Tinubu, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring an independent and well-resourced judiciary, said recent reviews in the remuneration and welfare packages of judicial officers form part of broader reforms aimed at promoting fairness, transparency, and institutional integrity in the justice system.
“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,” the President said in his address delivered by the Vice President.
He emphasised that the judiciary stands as the moral compass of any nation and must therefore remain above reproach, noting that public confidence in the justice system is the foundation upon which peace, order, and progress are built.
Tinubu explained that his administration’s judicial reforms are not limited to salary increments but are designed to guarantee the judiciary’s operational independence. He noted that when judicial officers are adequately supported and protected from undue interference, they are better positioned to deliver justice without fear or favour.
The President also acknowledged growing public concern over the slow pace of adjudication in high-profile corruption cases. He contrasted the delays with the speed at which cybercrime and related offences are often resolved, urging the judiciary to prioritise efficiency and fairness in handling all cases, especially those involving economic and financial crimes.
“The integrity of the bench defines the moral boundaries of society. Once justice becomes negotiable, the very essence of governance collapses,” Tinubu warned.
He further noted that the judiciary’s role in preserving public trust is indispensable, adding that citizens must see justice not only being done but also being done promptly and transparently.
According to the President, the Federal Government is already taking deliberate steps to create an environment where judicial officers can perform their duties with dignity and independence. He said these reforms are anchored on improving working conditions, strengthening court infrastructure, and ensuring the separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution.
Tinubu reaffirmed that his government’s vision for the judiciary goes beyond welfare enhancement to include comprehensive institutional reforms that will make the justice system more efficient and accessible to all Nigerians.
“Our commitment to judicial reform is holistic. We are not merely adjusting remuneration; we are investing in a justice system that guarantees the rule of law, fairness, and accountability,” the President added.
The EFCC–NJI workshop, themed “Strengthening the Integrity and Efficiency of the Judiciary in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together justices, judges, prosecutors, and legal scholars to discuss strategies for addressing economic and financial crimes through more coordinated institutional efforts.
Vice President Shettima, representing the President, commended both the EFCC and the NJI for their ongoing efforts to build capacity and ensure that judicial officers are equipped to handle complex corruption cases effectively. He stressed that closer collaboration between the judiciary and anti-graft agencies is vital to sustaining Nigeria’s progress in the global anti-corruption fight.
In his remarks, the Vice President also highlighted the achievements of the EFCC, noting that the agency has secured thousands of convictions and recovered significant assets for the federal government. He described these gains as proof that Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions are working, but called for even greater synergy and transparency between the investigating and adjudicating arms of justice.
Tinubu concluded his message with a call to the nation’s judges and magistrates to remain true to their oath of office, describing them as custodians of the people’s trust and the conscience of the nation.
“The destiny of every nation lies partly in the integrity of its judges. You are the guardians of justice, the interpreters of conscience, and the final hope of our democracy. Let justice be the compass that guides our national rebirth,” he said.
The workshop underscored the administration’s resolve to empower the judiciary to play its role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and the rule of law—seen by many as key pillars in rebuilding public confidence and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.
