The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, warned court registrars, secretaries of judicial service commissions, directors and other administrators to resist any act that may undermine the integrity and efficiency of the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, speaking at the opening of a hybrid national workshop on court administration and management organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, said judicial efficiency is not a mere convenience but a cornerstone of public trust.
“Permit me to make a passionate appeal to all participants, especially those serving in sensitive administrative capacities such as Chief Registrars, Secretaries of Judicial Service Commissions, and Directors. Uphold your ethical duties.
“Resist every temptation to compromise the integrity of the system. Support your judges.
“Ensure that court staff assigned to judicial officers are selected strictly on merit and with due regard to character, competence, and discipline.
“Your conduct in these areas will either strengthen or erode public faith in our judiciary,” the CJN stressed.
She added that a great judiciary is not built solely on the wisdom of judges but also on the steadfastness, professionalism, and integrity of its administrators.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also urged participants to interrogate current practices and embrace progressive reforms, emphasising that an effective judiciary rests on three foundational pillars: certainty, efficiency, and service.
“There must be certainty in scheduling hearings. It is not enough to file a matter or list it in the cause list. Court administrators must ensure parties are properly informed of hearing dates, preliminary matters are addressed in advance, and no extraneous bottlenecks stand in the way of timely adjudication.
“Public perception of the judiciary often begins at the court registry – not in the courtroom. From the moment a litigant or counsel steps into the premises, their experience must reflect courtesy, order, and professionalism. Every interaction matters.”
In his welcome address, the NJI Administrator, Justice Salisu Abdullahi – represented by the Institute’s Secretary, Olumo Abdulazeez – described efficient court management as key to justice delivery.
“As custodians of justice, you are constantly challenged to innovate, adapt, and refine your processes to uphold the integrity of our justice system,” he said.
Justice Abdullahi stated that the NJI remains committed to enhancing judicial capacity and excellence, aligning the workshop with its theme: “Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Service.”
He noted the programme would tackle contemporary issues, share best practices, and equip participants with skills to navigate modern court operations.
To enrich the learning experience, Justice Abdullahi revealed that the NJI had incorporated case studies, group discussions, and goal-setting exercises.