The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Judiciary in delivering justice efficiently and transparently, with renewed emphasis on financial accountability, systemic reforms and technology adoption.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at the 2025 Strategic Retreat for Chief Registrars of Courts, organised by the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening court administration, financial accountability and staff well-being for a more effective Judiciary in Nigeria,” brought together key judicial administrators and legal stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking as chairman of the event, Fagbemi said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to working closely with the Judiciary to ensure adequate funding, improved court administration and sustained reforms.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I reaffirm the commitment of the executive arm of this government to working closely with the leadership of the Judiciary to advance adequate and sustainable budgetary provisions, promote the review of court rules, and foster strategic partnerships aimed at continuous capacity building,” he said.
The AGF stressed that transparency in revenue management and financial accountability within the court system are constitutional obligations, noting that future constitutional amendments may further clarify the responsibilities of chief registrars.
He added that the retreat was timely, as Nigerians increasingly demand faster justice delivery, institutional integrity and modern governance from the Judiciary.
Fagbemi described chief registrars as critical to the justice system, noting that they serve as the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice.
“The credibility of the Judiciary rests not only on judgments delivered but on the integrity and efficiency of its administration. The ultimate measure of our success will be the tangible improvements felt by ordinary Nigerians at your filing counters,” he said.
Declaring the retreat open, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described court administration as “governance in action,” stressing that judicial credibility depends on transparent processes, prudent financial management and the welfare of judicial staff.
“Where accountability is absent, public confidence erodes; and where the well-being of judicial staff is neglected, institutional effectiveness is compromised,” the CJN warned.
She emphasised that financial accountability is both a statutory and moral obligation necessary to safeguard judicial independence, while calling for greater adoption of digital tools and automation to enhance efficiency, transparency and access to justice.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said technology should be embraced as an enabler of judicial excellence rather than a disruption.
In his keynote address, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s justice delivery system was long overdue, highlighting technology adoption, continuous training and collaboration among court managers as critical to success.
Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Chairman of the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria, Kabir Akanbi, said the two-day retreat marked the revival of the committee after a period of inactivity.
He noted that the retreat was designed to promote standardised administrative practices, deepen financial integrity and strengthen procurement transparency across the judiciary.
“Our deliberations are anchored on a growing consensus that justice cannot thrive without effective court administration,” Akanbi said, describing the gathering as a commitment to a Judiciary that is independent, accountable and people-centred.