ABUJA — The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for prudent management of financial resources allocated to the judiciary, warning that mismanagement could undermine justice delivery and institutional independence.
Speaking at the opening of a national workshop on judicial financial management in Abuja, the CJN stressed the need for robust oversight, accountability and digital transformation in the administration of court resources.
Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, she said effective monitoring and strong internal financial systems are critical to ensuring judicious use of funds.
“When funding, technology and personnel are effectively deployed, justice delivery is expedited, executive leverage is curtailed and public trust is strengthened. Conversely, mismanagement leads to backlogs, delays and compromised institutional independence,” she said.
The workshop, organised by the NJI, brought together Directors of Finance, auditors and other judicial finance officers to strengthen capacity in financial management across the courts.
Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged improvements in the welfare of judicial officers but noted that such gains have not significantly impacted court infrastructure and operations, particularly at the state level.
“Challenges persist, especially at the state levels where judiciaries grapple with budget deficits and reduced allocations that severely impair infrastructure, daily operations and access to justice,” she added.
She emphasised that beyond funding levels, effective utilisation of resources remains key, pointing out that several countries in the Global South have modernised their judicial systems through digital tools such as electronic filing and automated case management.
The CJN highlighted the recent rollout of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) at the Supreme Court and the introduction of the Supreme Court Practice Directions 2026, which mandate electronic filing of court processes.
She described the reforms as major steps toward building a technology-driven judiciary capable of improving efficiency and reducing delays.
In his welcome address, Justice Adejumo noted that sound financial management is a critical pillar of justice administration, stressing the importance of transparency, prudent budgeting and effective oversight.
He described the workshop as a vital platform for strengthening accountability and efficiency in the management of judicial resources nationwide.
