President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s judiciary to safeguard its integrity and root out all forms of misconduct, warning that corruption within the justice system strikes at the heart of the nation’s democracy.

Speaking at the 2025 Conference of All Nigerian Judges of Superior Courts of Record on Monday, Tinubu said the credibility of the judiciary is essential to national stability and must never be compromised.

“No amount of reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale,” the President said. “The bench must never be a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the judiciary destroys it to the core.”

He warned that once justice is tainted, governance loses legitimacy and democracy becomes hollow.

Tinubu emphasised the need for collaboration among the executive, legislature and judiciary, noting that while their functions differ, their purpose must remain unified.

“The judiciary does not exist in isolation. It functions within a larger democratic framework where all three arms must work in synergy, with mutual respect and shared responsibility to the Nigerian people,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice system through institutional support, improved welfare and significant investment in judicial infrastructure.

He stressed that the courts must no longer be places where cases drag on for years, but must evolve into efficient institutions that inspire confidence in the rule of law.

“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. Our courts must become a beacon of efficiency where disputes are resolved promptly and litigants depart with renewed confidence,” he said.

Tinubu added that modernising court infrastructure and fully embracing technology remained a central priority. According to him, a digital and transparent justice system would boost efficiency, deepen accountability and strengthen public trust.

He highlighted ongoing plans for digitisation of court processes, integrated case management systems and improved judicial facilities, saying no court would be left behind.

On judicial welfare, Tinubu described judges as “living custodians of justice,” insisting that their training, independence and wellbeing are fundamental to the survival of the judiciary.

“Judicial welfare, training and independence are not privileges; they are imperatives,” he said. “Continuous learning and intellectual renewal must remain the hallmark of the bench. The law evolves daily, and so must those who interpret it.”

Tinubu reiterated that his administration will continue to support the Nigerian Judicial Institute to ensure judges are equipped not just to interpret contemporary laws but also to shape them in line with constitutional values.