The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has called for prudent management of judicial financial resources, describing effective financial stewardship as essential to improving justice delivery, safeguarding judicial independence and strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.
The CJN made the call at the opening of the 2026 National Workshop on Management of Judicial Financial Resources, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Her keynote address was delivered on her behalf by the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo.
The workshop brought together Directors of Finance, Deputy Directors, Chief Accountants, Auditors and other judicial personnel responsible for financial administration in courts across the country.
In her address, Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged improvements in the welfare of judicial officers but noted that many courts, particularly at the state level, continue to face inadequate funding, budgetary constraints and infrastructure deficits.
She stressed that while increased funding remains important, effective and accountable management of available resources is critical to institutional performance and the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice also highlighted the importance of continuous capacity-building for judicial finance officers, saying such programmes equip participants with the skills needed to strengthen financial governance and improve efficiency within the court system.
Speaking on ongoing reforms within the judiciary, she cited the implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) and the Supreme Court Practice Directions 2026 as key milestones aimed at modernising court administration and enhancing service delivery.
According to her, the strategic deployment of financial resources, technology and skilled personnel will contribute to faster justice delivery, reinforce judicial independence and increase public trust in the nation's courts.
Earlier, Justice Adejumo described sound financial management as a fundamental pillar of an effective justice system. He noted that judicial financial administration extends beyond routine accounting functions and includes budgeting, procurement, expenditure management, auditing, financial reporting and internal control mechanisms.
He urged finance officers across the judiciary to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability and responsible management of public funds in carrying out their duties.
Justice Adejumo also commended the Chief Justice for supporting professional development initiatives within the judiciary and acknowledged the contributions of the NJI Education Committee, chaired by Justice John Inyang Okoro, as well as facilitators and participants at the workshop.
The workshop was formally declared open on behalf of the Chief Justice, with participants expected to explore strategies for improving financial management practices and strengthening accountability across judicial institutions.
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