President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday warned that justice in Nigeria must never be influenced by money or vested interests, declaring that the courts must remain a fortress of integrity and public trust.

Speaking at the opening of the All Nigeria Judges’ Conference in Abuja, the President said the judiciary must not be perceived as “a sanctuary for compromise,” noting that public faith in the judicial process is central to national stability.

Tinubu expressed concern over what he described as “growing frustration” among citizens regarding delays in the resolution of cases and limited access to justice.

“Our courts must cease to be places where cases linger endlessly,” he said. “They must become centres of efficiency where disputes are resolved promptly and litigants leave with restored confidence in the rule of law.”

He described the theme of the conference, Building a Confident Judiciary, as fitting, stressing that confidence is “the lifeblood of justice.”

While pledging the full support of his administration for reforms that strengthen judicial integrity, Tinubu insisted that restoring public trust is a collective responsibility, not one that rests solely on the National Judicial Council.

“A judgment may be grounded in law and delivered with clarity, but if the public does not perceive it as fair and untainted, its moral force is weakened,” the President said.

He urged judicial officers to confront public concerns about delays, integrity, and access to justice, emphasizing that such perceptions—whether accurate or mistaken—must never be ignored.

“Ultimately, justice does not exist for the Bench or the Bar; it exists for the people,” he added. “Their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability.”

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s “unwavering commitment” to supporting the judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional role and ensuring justice delivery remains uncompromised.