Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, has reaffirmed that prudent management of judicial financial resources is indispensable to strengthening justice delivery, safeguarding judicial independence, and enhancing public confidence in the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice made the assertion in a keynote address delivered on her behalf by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR, at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Workshop on Management of Judicial Financial Resources.
The workshop brought together Directors of Finance, Deputy Directors, Chief Accountants, Auditors, and other judicial personnel responsible for financial administration in courts across the federation.
In her address, the Chief Justice acknowledged the notable progress made in improving the welfare of judicial officers but observed that many courts, particularly at the state level, continue to contend with inadequate funding, budgetary shortfalls, and infrastructural deficits. She stressed that while increased funding remains important, the true measure of institutional effectiveness lies in the prudent, transparent, and accountable management of available financial resources.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that continuous capacity-building programmes such as the workshop are critical to equipping judicial finance officers with the requisite knowledge and skills to strengthen financial governance and promote greater efficiency in judicial administration.
Highlighting the Judiciary’s ongoing digital transformation, the Chief Justice cited the implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) and the Supreme Court Practice Directions 2026 as significant milestones in modernising court administration. She noted that the strategic deployment of financial resources, technology, and skilled personnel would accelerate justice delivery, reinforce judicial independence, and deepen public trust in the nation’s courts.
The Chief Justice expressed confidence that the workshop would provide participants with practical insights and innovative strategies for improving financial management systems across judicial institutions.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR, described sound financial management as one of the indispensable pillars of an effective justice system. He observed that judicial financial administration extends beyond routine accounting functions, noting that budgeting, procurement, expenditure management, auditing, financial reporting, and internal controls all have a direct bearing on the efficiency of the courts and public confidence in the administration of justice.
Justice Adejumo urged judicial finance officers to continue upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Justice Adejumo also conveyed appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her unwavering commitment to strengthening judicial administration through continuous professional development. He further acknowledged the contributions of the Education Committee of the Institute, chaired by Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, as well as the facilitators and participants for their dedication to the success of the programme.
The opening ceremony concluded with Justice Adejumo formally declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Senior judicial officers, facilitators, and participants thereafter participated in a commemorative group photograph, marking the official commencement of the workshop and reaffirming the Judiciary’s collective commitment to financial accountability, institutional excellence, and the effective management of judicial resources.
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