The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, expressed worry over the lingering delays in the trial of cases in courts across the country.
Speaking at the first stream of the 2025 NJI organised induction course for newly appointed Magistrates and other Judges of the lower Courts, Justice Kekere-Ekun, cautioned the bench against indulging in acts that erode public confidence and quick dispensation of justice.
“I must express concern over the persistent delays in our trial processes – delays which, despite our best efforts, continue to hamper the effective administration of justice.
“Such delays risk eroding public confidence in the Judiciary.
“We must, therefore, redouble our efforts to adopt more efficient practices and foster a judicial culture that values expediency without sacrificing fairness.
“It is, therefore, incumbent upon you to ensure that justice is not only done, but done in a timely and professional manner”, the CJN stated.
Represented by Supreme Court Justice Chidiebere Uwa, the CJN cautioned participants that while guidance from experienced jurists is invaluable, their decisions must remain entirely theirs, rooted in their independent evaluation of the law and the facts before them.
She reminded the judicial officers that judicial independence is not just a constitutional imperative, but the bedrock of public trust in the justice system.
While urging the inductees to guard their integrity jealously, the CJN advised them to be vigilant against corruption in any guise and allow their conduct to reflect the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
“Avoid perception of bias or undue interest in any matter before you. Approach your duties with humility and a clear understanding of the immense trust placed in you by Nigerians,” the CJN warned.
Earlier, in a welcome address, NJI Administrator Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi (rtd) said the workshop theme, “Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making,” was timely and resonated deeply with the current needs of the Nigerian justice system.
Justice Abdullahi reminded participants that judicial efficiency, as well as the quality of decisions that proceed from their Courts, has far-reaching implications that transcend mere speed or a rushed consideration of the cases that come before them.
“And rest assured that given your proximity to the grassroots, your dockets will often be filled with a large volume of cases.
“You must therefore strive to create a healthy balance, one that guarantees the resolution of disputes within a reasonable time, while upholding the highest standards of thoroughness, impartiality, and fairness.
“Understand that the positions you now occupy hold paramount significance within the very foundation of our judicial structure.
“Your closeness to the grassroots, your role as the very first point of contact and the initial face of justice for the vast majority of our citizenry, imbues you with immense power and responsibility.
“You hold in your hands the profound potential to either strengthen or, conversely, to inadvertently erode the public’s perception of our entire Judiciary,” the NJI Administrator stated.
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