CJN Kekere‑Ekun Reaffirms Prudent Financial Management as Pillar of Judicial Independence
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere‑Ekun, GCON, FNJI, has underscored the critical importance of prudent financial management in the Judiciary. She affirmed that transparent and accountable stewardship of judicial resources is essential to strengthening justice delivery, safeguarding judicial independence, and enhancing public confidence in the courts.
Delivering a keynote address through the NJI Administrator, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR, at the opening of the 2026 National Workshop on Management of Judicial Financial Resources, the CJN highlighted the need for continuous professional development of judicial finance officers.
The workshop brought together Directors of Finance, Deputy Directors, Chief Accountants, Auditors, and other judicial personnel responsible for financial administration in courts across the federation.
In her address, the Chief Justice acknowledged the notable progress made in improving the welfare of judicial officers but observed that many courts, particularly at the state level, continue to contend with inadequate funding, budgetary shortfalls, and infrastructural deficits. She stressed that while increased funding remains important, the true measure of institutional effectiveness lies in the prudent, transparent, and accountable management of available financial resources.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that continuous capacity-building programmes such as the workshop are critical to equipping judicial finance officers with the requisite knowledge and skills to strengthen financial governance and promote greater efficiency in judicial administration.
Highlighting the Judiciary’s ongoing digital transformation, the Chief Justice cited the implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) and the Supreme Court Practice Directions 2026 as significant milestones in modernising court administration. She noted that the strategic deployment of financial resources, technology, and skilled personnel would accelerate justice delivery, reinforce judicial independence, and deepen public trust in the nation’s courts.
The Chief Justice expressed confidence that the workshop would provide participants with practical insights and innovative strategies for improving financial management systems across judicial institutions.
In his welcome address, Justice Adejumo described sound financial management as a pillar of judicial effectiveness. He emphasised that judicial financial administration goes beyond accounting—it encompasses budgeting, procurement, expenditure control, auditing, and reporting, all of which directly impact the efficiency of the courts and public trust in justice.
He urged finance officers to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. Justice Adejumo also commended the CJN for her commitment to strengthening judicial administration through continuous professional development, and acknowledged the contributions of the NJI Education Committee chaired by Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC.
The ceremony concluded with Justice Adejumo formally declaring the workshop open on behalf of the CJN. A commemorative group photograph followed, symbolising the Judiciary’s collective commitment to financial accountability, institutional excellence, and effective resource management.
