
Public confidence in courts crucial to democracy — NJI administrator
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has described confidence in the judiciary as the cornerstone of democracy, stressing that justice must always be dispensed fairly, impartially and without fear or favour.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, at the pre-conference media briefing ahead of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts, Justice Adejumo said a judiciary that commands public confidence is one that strengthens the rule of law, protects fundamental rights and upholds the values of equity and fairness.
He explained that the forthcoming conference, scheduled to be held on Monday, 17 November, will provide a platform for judicial officers across the country to deliberate on ways to reinforce judicial independence, enhance ethical standards and ensure that courts remain accessible, transparent and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
According to him, the National Judicial Institute remains committed to equipping judicial officers and their support staff with the knowledge, skills and values needed to meet the challenges of modern adjudication through capacity building, research and continuous education.
Justice Adejumo emphasised that the theme of the 2025 conference, “Building a Confident Judiciary,” approved by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, was both timely and compelling in view of the crucial role the Judiciary plays in sustaining democracy