Tinubu and N’Assembly Sound Alarm for Urgent Judicial Reforms Amidst Delayed Justice Crisis

ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have issued a strong call to action, urging the judiciary to start extensive changes in order to solve systemic issues and provide Nigerians with prompt justice. There is an urgent need for revolutionary change, as evidenced by the strong need for reform amid growing concerns about misbehaviour in the legal system and delayed justice.

President Tinubu stressed the necessity of legislative action and innovative policies in order to transform Nigeria’s justice system during the National Summit on Justice, 2024, which took place at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu, who emphasised the need of developing a judicial system that meets the requirements of present and future generations of Nigerians. He urged the institutions that lead the judicial sector to take a fresh approach that prioritises accountability and measurable results.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of cooperation across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the necessity of a coordinated strategy to recognise problems and develop remedies. He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to the rule of law, impartiality, and constitutional values and promised to prioritise the judiciary’s finances as well as put policies in place to improve the independence and efficiency of the court.

Senate President Akpabio echoed Tinubu’s remarks when he reaffirmed the National Assembly’s unshakable commitment to promoting a dynamic and progressive justice system. He recognised that Nigeria’s courts were beset by widespread backlogs and delays, and he emphasised the need for technology developments to improve transparency and speed up legal proceedings. In an effort to eliminate structural inefficiencies and rebuild public confidence in the court, Akpabio promised legislative assistance to make the Summit’s conclusions law.

Concerns about the abuse of ex parte orders in political situations and procedural bottlenecks impeding the prompt execution of judgements have been voiced amid calls for reform. Akpabio argued that in order to prevent judicial abuse of power and guarantee prompt administration of justice, the National Judicial Council should have strict control. There was also discussion of ways to make the process of getting the Attorney-General’s approval to carry out judgements more efficient while yet preserving the essential checks and balances.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, stressed in his speech the need for comprehensive changes in order to fulfil the expectations of the people. He called for comprehensive steps to overcome procedural difficulties and socioeconomic inequities, highlighting the urgent need to improve access to justice for all Nigerians, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who highlighted the importance of the updated draft national policy on justice in building consensus and advancing sectoral reforms, offered more views. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), President of the Nigerian Bar Association, praised the Summit’s organisation as a critical first step in promoting judicial reform as a means of promoting economic development.

In a keynote address, former Chief Justice of Kenya, Dr. Willy Mutunga, underscored the importance of developing an African-based jurisprudence to restore public confidence in the judiciary. His remarks underscored the broader imperative of fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Nigeria’s justice system to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

As calls for judicial reform reverberate across Nigeria, stakeholders are urged to seize the momentum and work collaboratively towards building a justice system that is equitable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of Nigerian society. The success of ongoing reform efforts hinges on sustained political will, institutional cooperation, and public engagement, underscoring the collective responsibility to uphold the integrity and efficacy of Nigeria’s judiciary in the 21st century.