President Bola Tinubu, on Monday in Abuja, urged judges to uphold the sanctity of their profession by safeguarding integrity, noting that the strength and honour of the judiciary lie in proper and unequivocal interpretation of the constitution.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, states that the Nigerian judiciary will strive to restore its image as an arm of government that promotes integrity and fosters public confidence. Ms Kekere-Ekun made this statement on Monday in Abuja at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute.

Declaring the conference open, President Bola Tinubu told the judges to “acknowledge, with candour, that public perception of the judicial process has not always been favourable”, because Nigerians “have expressed frustration at delays, concerns about integrity, and anxiety over access to justice”.

“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored,” said the president. “They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore.”

While commending Mr Tinubu for his “abiding commitment to the cause of justice in our dear nation,” Ms Kekere-Ekun stated that the conference would not only help the judges “as custodians of justice but to take a decisive step towards a judiciary that embodies integrity, resilience, and unwavering public confidence”.

“The temple of Justice trembles where justice is denied. We must be a symbol of incorruptible honour.

“This conference, convened by the National Judicial Institute for judicial officers, is not just a tradition of necessity; it provides an invaluable platform for retrospection, collaboration, and the adoption of strategic resolutions that propel our judiciary forward.

“Here our judges engage meaningfully with one another, strengthen institutional ethics, and reaffirm the enduring commitment to dispense justice with precision, fairness and accessibility,” the chief justice added.

Mr Tinubu commended the judiciary’s steadfastness and fearless interventions over the years, even at critical moments in the nation’s history.

“Whenever Nigeria has faced moments of uncertainty, history has recorded that the Judiciary stood firm as the stabilising force of our national life. It is through the courage of judges and their judicial pronouncements that tyranny has been restrained, constitutional order preserved, and the voice of justice amplified above the noise of division or despair. For this enduring role, I extend, on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, our deepest gratitude and abiding respect,” he said.

On modernisation of the judiciary, the president said, “We will continue to support the National Judicial Institute as the leading hub for judicial education, comparative study, and professional development. Continuous learning and intellectual renewal must remain the hallmark of our Bench.

“The modernisation of judicial infrastructure remains a central priority. Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. The digitisation of court processes, the adoption of integrated case management systems, and the provision of secure and reliable judicial facilities will receive sustained attention from this administration.

“A digital, transparent judiciary will not only improve efficiency but will also deepen accountability and public trust. We should not leave any of our courts behind in this transformation.”

Mr Tinubu urged participants to be rigorous and courageous in addressing the challenges facing the judiciary.