Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a firm warning to judges who fail to meet their judicial responsibilities, stating that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will no longer tolerate indolence on the Bench. Speaking at the NJC’s third annual Judges’ Performance Evaluation Conference in Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that judges unable to deliver the required judgments in a quarter would face consequences, including possible removal.

She highlighted the growing backlog of cases, with over 243,000 pending in Nigeria’s superior courts, and urged judges to improve both the speed and quality of their decisions. Stressing that “delayed justice is denied justice,” she called for the adoption of digital tools like the Judicial Performance Evaluation Software (JPES) to enhance efficiency.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also commended recent salary increases for judges, expressing optimism that better welfare would improve the pace and professionalism of the judiciary. Additionally, she urged judges to take charge of their courtrooms and maintain high standards to restore public confidence.

NJC Performance Evaluation Committee Chairman, Retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, reiterated that poor-performing judges would be recommended for removal, while also stressing the committee’s role in supporting judges to improve.