The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has blamed compromise by some judicial officers and political interference for the public’s loss of confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.

HEDA’s executive secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, spoke on Tuesday at the unveiling of volume five of the Leadership Approval Rating (LAR), organised by the organisation and supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

The event was titled, “Voices for Justice: A Civic Lens on Nigeria’s Judicial System – Documenting Public Experiences, Opinions and Reform Demands.”

Mr Arigbagbu stressed the need for the judiciary to gain public trust, which he said had waned due to a credibility crisis that has bedevilled the institution and negatively affected the country’s democracy.

He said, “We must confront an uncomfortable reality — Nigeria’s judiciary is facing a serious credibility crisis. Allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and political interference have significantly eroded public confidence in this institution.

“This is not a theoretical or abstract concern; it is a daily reality for millions of Nigerians who turn to the courts to defend their rights, seek redress, resolve conflicts, arbitrate corporate disagreements, and pursue justice. When public trust in the judiciary is compromised, the very legitimacy of our democratic framework is at stake.”

Mr Arigbagbu explained that the fifth volume of the Leadership Approval Rating mirrors the views, frustrations, and hopes of Nigerians. He noted that it has insights into how citizens perceive the judicial system.

He recommended “full judicial autonomy, reforming the National Judicial Council to enhance its effectiveness, leveraging technology to increase transparency, and fostering ethical professionalism within the judiciary and legal practices.”

Mr Arigbagbu said these would restore public trust and safeguard the integrity of the country’s administration of justice.