President Bola Tinubu on Monday warned judicial officers across the country that justice must remain sacred and protected from corruption, declaring that “justice must never be for sale.”

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that judicial officers are the genuine guardians of justice and pledged ongoing support in welfare, capacity building, and the National Judicial Institute.

The President noted that constant learning and moral renewal should define the Bench.

Nevertheless, Tinubu cautioned that no reform would succeed without unwavering integrity. “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise.

“Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”

Tinubu maintained that judicial discipline must be firm and transparent, emphasizing that safeguarding the courts’ integrity is the responsibility of every judicial officer, not just the National Judicial Council.

Tinubu disclosed that the growing backlog of cases and the slow pace of justice delivery were unacceptable and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

He advised the Judiciary to embrace bold, practical reforms that would restore public trust and strengthen the rule of law, warning that the legitimacy of the courts is threatened when justice is delayed or tainted.

“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years.

“Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability.”

Tinubu outlined that Nigerians have repeatedly expressed frustration over delayed judgments, questionable conduct, and the difficulty of accessing justice. He said these concerns require honest reflection and decisive action.

“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he added.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving judicial capacity, working conditions, and infrastructure nationwide.

He explained that technology must become central to court operations, with digitisation and integrated case management forming the backbone of future reforms.

“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. We will prioritise modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management. A digital, transparent judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust,” he said.

He urged judges to implement reforms that strengthen discipline, reduce congestion in courts, and make justice more accessible and affordable to citizens.

Tinubu disclosed tha.t the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy continues to be shaped by the courage, fairness, and integrity of judicial decisions while declaring the conference open.

He expressed confidence that the conference resolutions would reinforce the Judiciary as the guardian of the nation’s democratic ideals.

“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said.