Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, spoke to new magistrates and judges at a training in Abuja Monday, September 8, 2025, .
She urged them to be honest, avoid corruption, and deliver fair, quick justice.
Learning to Be Better Judges
The training, held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, started on Monday for the second group of new judges in 2025.
Justice Babatunde Adejumo, NJI Administrator, spoke for the Chief Justice. He said the program teaches new judges the skills, discipline, and honesty needed for their work.
Staying Honest
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who leads the NJI Board, said lower courts are often where people first seek justice. This means judges must act fairly to earn public trust.
The training’s theme, “Better Justice, Faster Decisions,” is important.
“People judge us by how well we do our job,” she said. Judges should make fair rulings that understand people’s challenges.
Using New Tools
The Chief Justice encouraged judges to use new ways to make justice faster, such as:
- Solving Disputes Outside Court: Settling cases to save time.
- Fair Sentencing Rules: Making punishments consistent.
- Technology: Using tools like the Nigeria Case Management System to handle cases well.
She stressed that judges must stay independent to keep people’s trust. “Be honest and avoid any sign of unfairness,” she said, quoting Socrates: “Listen kindly, answer smartly, think carefully, and judge fairly.”
Support and Rules
Justice Kekere-Ekun thanked Justice John Inyang Okoro, head of the NJI Education Committee, and Justice Babatunde Adejumo for training judges.
She also thanked experts from the Judicial College of England and Wales for teaching about law, case handling, sentencing, and ethics.
Justice Adejumo told judges to take the training seriously. Missing sessions means no certificate. He also said to avoid corruption and respect people’s rights, like granting bail when the law allows.
Moving Forward
The Chief Justice hopes the training will help judges meet Nigeria’s needs. By staying honest and using new tools, they can deliver justice that people trust.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
