The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for full financial autonomy for the judiciary, lamenting delays in the release of approved funds despite improvements in budgetary allocations.
Speaking at the opening of the Supreme Court’s 2026/2027 legal year in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun said the judiciary needed a reliable and predictable mechanism for the timely release and disbursement of appropriated funds to perform its responsibilities effectively.
She acknowledged improvements in funding and budgetary provisions for the Federal Judiciary but said delays in releasing the money remained a major concern.
The CJN said there had been instances in which funds were provided for in approved budgets and the necessary approvals obtained, but the money was not released when needed.
She warned that the delays had practical consequences, including postponed projects, disrupted procurement processes and a loss in the value of allocations due to inflation and rising costs.
Kekere-Ekun also cautioned judges against political interactions and partisanship ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such conduct could damage the judiciary’s reputation.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, urged judges to handle politically sensitive cases with calmness, detachment and the same commitment to the law they applied to other matters.
Other speakers at the event called on the newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria to regard their conferment as a responsibility to serve the legal profession and contribute to national development.
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