The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has stressed the need for stricter monitoring and accountability in the management of judicial finances, saying prudent use of available resources is essential to improving the justice system.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day National Judicial Institute (NJI) workshop on judicial financial management in Abuja, the CJN said effective oversight, supported by qualified finance professionals and sound internal control systems, is key to ensuring transparency and efficiency in the judiciary.
She acknowledged recent improvements in the welfare of judicial officers but noted that many courts, particularly at the state level, still struggle with inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and limited operational resources.
Justice Kekere-Ekun urged judicial institutions to maximise available funds through better financial management and embrace technology-driven reforms such as electronic filing and digital case management to improve efficiency.
MUST READ:CJN, Kekere-Ekun Unveils Major Supreme Court Reforms
She cited the Supreme Court’s implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) and the 2026 Practice Directions as examples of ongoing reforms.
The Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said sound financial administration is fundamental to an effective judiciary.
He noted that the workshop was designed to equip finance officers with practical knowledge on budgeting, auditing, procurement, risk management and financial reporting to strengthen accountability across the nation’s courts.
The workshop brought together more than 500 finance and audit personnel from judicial institutions nationwide.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
