The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has charged judicial officers across the country to strengthen public confidence in the justice system through transparency, accountability and strict adherence to ethical standards.

Justice Kekere-Ekun gave the charge on Monday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Federal High Court and the 41st Annual Judges’ Conference.

Describing the event as a period of sober reflection and institutional renewal, the CJN urged judges to ensure that internal judicial standards align with the expectations of the public.

She noted that the Federal High Court plays a strategic role in national governance, with jurisdiction over critical matters such as revenue, taxation, immigration, intellectual property and maritime operations.

According to her, the stability, discipline and consistency of the court are essential not only to the legal profession but to the broader national interest.

“The judiciary remains the last line of defence for the Constitution and the rights of citizens. Public trust is fragile and must be earned through visible professionalism, integrity and accountability,” the CJN said.

She warned that where court processes are perceived as unpredictable, opaque or inefficient, even well-founded judgments may lose credibility.

Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that judicial independence is fundamental to democracy but added that independence must be matched with courage, restraint and fidelity to the law.

She also highlighted emerging challenges confronting the courts, including technology-driven crimes, cross-border commercial disputes, terrorism-related cases and evolving regulatory frameworks, calling for improved case management, digitisation and adaptability.

As part of efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency, the CJN unveiled the Federal High Court’s Information Electronic Directory Table and Electronic Notice and Advertorial Display Screens, explaining that the innovations would improve communication, accessibility and order within court premises.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, she urged judges to handle election-related disputes with discipline, consistency and strict compliance with constitutional timelines. She cautioned against forum shopping and the issuance of conflicting interim orders, warning that such practices could erode public trust.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also called for improved courtroom discipline to curb delays, noting that effective case management is a core judicial responsibility. She appealed to members of the Bar to uphold professional ethics and work constructively with the Bench.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T. Tsoho, described the ceremonial session as a reminder of the court’s collective duty to uphold the rule of law and administer justice impartially.

He paid tribute to late members of the Federal High Court, including former Chief Judge, Justice Daniel D. Abutu (rtd), Justice Chrysanthus Paul Naanbuet Senlong and 16 staff members who died during the year.

Justice Tsoho disclosed that the court recorded 39 retirements, four voluntary resignations and five dismissals in the outgoing legal year, the highest in its history, but said service delivery remained commend