Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has reaffirmed her dedication to pursuing comprehensive reforms in the judiciary aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of justice delivery across the country.
Speaking on Monday at the Supreme Court in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of 57 newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of strengthening the judicial system as the 2025/2026 legal year officially commenced.
The CJN stressed the need for enhanced transparency and judicial excellence, urging lawmakers to enact legislation that would reinforce the independence of the judiciary, enhance anti-corruption measures, and streamline judicial processes.
She also appealed to the executive, particularly at the state level, to prioritize adequate funding for the judiciary, invest in better infrastructure, and support the adoption of technological innovations in the justice system.
Expressing concern over the underfunding of courts at sub-national levels, Kekere-Ekun warned that such financial constraints could significantly hinder the effective operation of the judiciary.
“These challenges cannot be resolved in isolation,” she said. “They require the joint efforts of all three arms of government, along with the active involvement of the citizens.”
The CJN outlined several initiatives recently introduced to improve the justice sector, including the restructuring of the Supreme Court’s litigation department, the digitization of court records, and the establishment of dedicated units such as the Case Continuation Unit and the Central Information Unit.
She noted that during the 2024/2025 legal year, the apex court handled a total of 2,280 matters—comprising 560 appeals and 1,720 motions—and delivered 369 judgments. This figure represents a 49 percent increase from the 247 judgments delivered the previous year.
Also addressing the event, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, called on judicial officers to uphold principles of impartiality and independence.
“It is quite concerning to see the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of our judiciary,” Fagbemi said. “The judiciary should discharge its accountability by being principled, independent, and impartial.”
He emphasized that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in a manner that is fair to all parties involved. Fagbemi also commended the judiciary for its role in delivering key constitutional judgments and praised Justice Kekere-Ekun’s reform-driven leadership since her confirmation as CJN in September 2024.
The title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria remains the highest professional distinction awarded to legal practitioners in the country. It recognizes outstanding contributions in legal advocacy and academia.
Among the new SANs is Shuaibu Labaran, Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government and former federal prosecutor. Others include Olanrewaju Akinsola, a specialist in commercial litigation and tax advisory, and founder of the Onigegewura blog known for its engaging accounts of historical legal cases.
Also honored were Preye Agedah, former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, and Chima Ubanyionwu, a legal academic and former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Aguata Branch, who was recognized under the academic category.
NAN
