Tinubu Pushes For A Faster, Tech-Driven And More Trusted Judiciary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday made a strong case for a faster, technology-driven and more trusted justice system, declaring that Nigeria’s courts must embrace bold reforms capable of restoring public confidence and strengthening the rule of law.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, the President said the era of slow, opaque and paper-heavy judicial processes must give way to a modern system anchored on transparency, speed and digital efficiency.

Tinubu said the Judiciary occupies a defining place in Nigeria’s democracy, noting that its courage in difficult times has preserved constitutional order and restrained abuses of power.

But he also acknowledged that public perception of the courts has not always been favourable, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over delays, concerns about integrity, and difficulty accessing justice. These concerns, he said, demand honest reflection and decisive action.

The President emphasised that modernisation of judicial processes is now a national priority, insisting that technology is indispensable in delivering timely justice. He announced the administration’s readiness to support the digitisation of court operations, the integration of case management systems and the improvement of infrastructure across courts nationwide.

According to him, these reforms will ensure that cases no longer languish for years and that litigants encounter courts that work with efficiency and dignity.

However, Tinubu stressed that technology alone cannot strengthen the Judiciary without a firm commitment to integrity. He warned that corruption within the justice system strikes at the foundation of democracy, insisting that “justice must never be for sale” and that the Bench must remain free of compromise.

Judicial officers, he said, carry the moral responsibility of ensuring that no citizen is too weak to be heard and no authority too powerful to be restrained by law.

He pledged continued support for the National Judicial Institute as a hub for training and intellectual renewal, noting that judicial officers must continually sharpen their knowledge to meet the evolving nature of law and society. Welfare, independence and discipline, he added, must remain central pillars of a strong Judiciary.

As the conference continues, Tinubu urged judges to pursue practical solutions to reduce case backlogs, enforce discipline within the system, and expand access to justice for the poor and marginalised. He described the Judiciary as the conscience of the nation and a vital stabilising force, saying each fair judgment strengthens the Republic.

The President declared the conference open and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stand with the Judiciary as it works to build a system worthy of the trust of all Nigerians.