…CJN, Fashola stress importance of reforms, technology adoption for efficient justice system
The Federal Government has restarted its commitment to continually support the judiciary to enable it to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who stated this, tasked officials of the nation’s court system to ensure financial accountability and systemic reforms.
He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the 2026 strategic retreat for Chief Registrars of courts, organised by The Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria, with the theme: “Strengthening court administration, financial accountability and staff well-being for a more effective Judiciary in Nigeria.”
Fagbemi, who was the event’s Chairman, said: “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, I reaffirm the commitment of the executive arm of this government to working closely with leadership of the Judiciary to advance adequate and sustainable budgetary provisions, promote the review of court rules to establish clearer and more robust frameworks for the authority of Chief Registrars, and foster strategic partnerships aimed at continuous capacity building.
“I further assure you of our full support for reforms designed to strengthen service delivery and enhance the effective administration of justice.”
He, however, stressed the importance of enhanced financial accountability in courts’ management and the need to ensure the adoption of more technical innovations in courts’ operations.
Fagbemi said transparent and lawful management of court revenues is a constitutional obligation, adding that future constitutional amendments may introduce clearer provisions on the responsibilities and accountability of Chief Registrars.
Fagbemi hailed the gathering, which he noted was coming at a time when the Nigerians rightly demand greater accountability, expeditious dispensation of justice, and a Judiciary that embodies the highest ideals of integrity, efficiency, and modern governance.
He stressed the important functions of the Registrars to the operation of the court system, noting that they stand at the critical intersection where constitutional provisions meet practical reality for ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.
Fagbemi added, “The credibility of the Judiciary rests not only on judgments delivered but on the integrity and efficiency of its administration.
“As the first point of contact, you directly shape whether justice is accessible or obstructed, whether the system inspires confidence or frustration.
“You are essential officers, whose work enables the functioning of our judicial system.
“Let me state this with clarity and conviction: the ultimate measure of our success will be the tangible improvements felt by ordinary Nigerians seeking justice at your filing counters,” Fagbemi said.
Declaring the retreat open, Justice Kekere-Ekun described court administration as “governance in action,” stressing that weak administration leads to delayed justice, eroded public confidence, and reduced institutional effectiveness.
She said the judiciary’s credibility depends not only on sound judgments but also on transparent processes, prudent financial management, and the well-being of judicial staff.
“Our courts are the heartbeat of the justice system. Where accountability is absent, public confidence erodes; and where the well-being of judicial staff is neglected, institutional effectiveness is compromised”, the CJN said and emphasized that financial accountability is both a statutory and moral obligation essential to safeguarding judicial independence, noting that Chief Registrars occupy a position of profound responsibility as custodians of records and stewards of judicial resources.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also urged greater adoption of technology, including digital tools and judicial automation, to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.
She notes that technology, when properly deployed, should be seen not as a disruption but as an enabler of judicial excellence.
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), in his keynote address, spoke about the need for a fundamental reform of the nation’s justice delivery system and identified key modifications required.
Fashola equally dwelt on the importance of the adoption of technology in courts’ operations and stressed the need for continuous training and collaboration among courts’ managers and support staff.
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 group that had been inactive for some time now.
Akanbi explained that the “retreat offers us an opportunity to reflect, to refine, and to realign. It is not a ceremonial gathering; it is a commitment to the Judiciary envisioned by our Constitution: strong, independent, accountable, and people-centred.”
He identified the many objectives of the gathering, which he said include the creation of standardized administrative practices that promote fairness, efficiency, and national uniformity, and to deepen financial integrity and procurement transparency, reinforcing public trust in our stewardship of judicial resources.
Kabir added, “Our deliberations at this retreat are anchored on a growing consensus among Nigeria’s foremost judicial and legal leaders: justice cannot thrive without effective court administration.”
