President Tinubu Calls for Judicial Reforms to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has highlighted key challenges hindering Nigeria’s fight against corruption, including frivolous appeals, the intimidation of judges by lawyers, and judgments based on technicalities rather than facts. Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission/National Judicial Institute (EFCC/NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need to address these issues to ensure swift adjudication of corruption cases.

Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stressed that the war against corruption cannot be won unless these challenges are effectively curtailed. The workshop, organized to enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s judiciary, served as a platform to rally support against what Tinubu described as the nation’s “common enemy”—corruption.

The president acknowledged the progress made in prosecuting corruption cases, crediting recent justice sector reforms for this improvement. However, he noted that despite these advancements, significant hurdles remain. He cited the use of frivolous applications and appeals to delay trials, as well as the intimidation of judges by legal counsel, as key obstacles. Tinubu expressed concern over judgments that focus on technicalities rather than the substantive facts of cases, which he believes weaken the judicial process.

In his address, Tinubu emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in the anti-corruption fight, stating, “The judiciary is central to the success of the anti-corruption efforts.” He highlighted the importance of the judiciary’s commitment, courage, and patriotism in making a meaningful impact against corruption. Tinubu also reiterated that corruption is a “cancer” affecting all Nigerians, denying the country the full benefits of its abundant natural resources.

To further enhance judicial effectiveness, Tinubu called on the judiciary to equip itself with the necessary knowledge to tackle new forms of corruption and crime. He assured the audience that his administration remains committed to creating a conducive environment for judicial officers. He highlighted measures such as the increase in judges’ remuneration and the provision of official accommodation in prime areas of the Federal Capital Territory as part of the government’s efforts to support the judiciary.

The president also noted that his administration has strategically recovered proceeds of corruption and reinvested them into critical social programs. He emphasized the importance of judicial reforms and capacity building, describing the workshop as an opportunity for stakeholders to collectively raise their voices against corruption.

Trending discussions on social media and economic platforms reflect widespread public support for these initiatives, with many emphasizing the need for transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s judicial processes. Tinubu’s emphasis on strengthening the judiciary and the anti-corruption framework aligns with his administration’s broader agenda to promote accountability, good governance, and sustainable development across Nigeria.