President Bola Tinubu has identified several critical challenges hampering Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, including frivolous appeals, intimidation of judges by lawyers, and judgments based on technicalities rather than substantive evidence.
Speaking at the 6th Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the need to address these obstacles to accelerate the resolution of corruption cases. The president, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, acknowledged progress in prosecuting corruption but emphasized that more needs to be done.
Tinubu referred to corruption as Nigeria’s “common enemy” and underscored the judiciary’s pivotal role in fighting it. He praised the courage and patriotism of judicial officers but noted that the fight continues to face delays due to tactics like frivolous appeals and lawyer-led intimidation of judges. Additionally, he criticized verdicts focused on legal technicalities instead of case facts.
Despite advancements in the justice sector reforms in recent years, Tinubu pointed to persistent challenges that slow down corruption case adjudication. These include delaying tactics by defense attorneys, frivolous applications, and appeals designed to hinder the judicial process. He also urged the judiciary to ensure courts have the expertise and tools needed to combat newer forms of corruption effectively.
“As an administration, we remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities,” Tinubu said. He noted that one of his government’s key actions was improving judges’ welfare, with a significant increase in their remuneration.
The president also highlighted his administration’s strategic investments in recovering stolen assets, which are redirected into social programs aimed at reducing pressures that drive vulnerable Nigerians to corrupt practices. Tinubu commended the EFCC’s tireless work in recovering misappropriated funds and assured that the government would continue to support the commission’s efforts without interference.
He also thanked the leadership of both the NJI and the EFCC for organizing the workshop, calling it a vital platform for equipping judicial officers and prosecutors to tackle corruption.
In her remarks, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the collaboration between anti-graft agencies and the judiciary. She emphasized the importance of viewing the judiciary as a key partner in the fight against economic and financial crimes, which she noted have a severe impact on both national and global economies. Justice Kekere-Ekun reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to capacity-building initiatives.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau, also praised the cooperation between the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies. He called for practical solutions to Nigeria’s financial crime challenges and advocated for periodic reviews of laws governing economic crimes, as well as the establishment of a central database for law enforcement agencies. Akpabio emphasized that financial crimes require constant legislative adjustments due to their complex nature.
