Nigeria’s Chief Justice (CJ) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has reaffirmed the judiciary’s unwavering dedication to the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights, promising that the courts will remain “fair, impartial, and incorruptible” despite growing political and social pressures.
Speaking at a special session of the Supreme Court in Abuja on Monday to open the 2025/2026 legal year, Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that justice must not only be done but be “manifestly seen to be done.”
She acknowledged persistent challenges, including election-related disputes, constitutional cases, and a rise in commercial litigation, but insisted that public confidence in the judiciary could not be compromised.
The Chief Justice revealed that the Supreme Court handled 1,124 cases and delivered 247 judgments during the past legal year.
She noted that reforms are underway to address delays, with tighter case management, the expanded use of technology, and procedural updates aimed at speeding up the justice process.
At the ceremony, 57 lawyers were formally elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Justice Kekere-Ekun urged the new appointees to treat the honour as a “burden of trust” and a call to leadership, not a licence for privilege.
Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, pledged government support for a fully digitised justice sector to reduce delays and restore public confidence.
He reminded the new SANs that their elevated status must be matched by humility, ethical discipline, and dedication to justice.
Senior lawyer Chief Wole Olanipekun, speaking for the Body of Senior Advocates, praised the judiciary’s efforts but warned that conflicting judgments continued to tarnish its reputation.
He appealed for an end to what he described as unfair attacks on judges.
Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe also called for closer collaboration between lawyers and the bench to tackle long-standing issues of delay, access, and transparency.
