Who Is the Current Chief Justice of Nigeria (2025)?
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Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun: |
As of 2025, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere‑Ekun. She assumed office in August 2024, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Her appointment marked a significant milestone, as she became the second woman to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun: Profile
Justice Kekere‑Ekun was born on 7 May 1958 in London and raised in Lagos State. She began her judicial career as a judge at the Lagos State High Court. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, serving at the Court of Appeal and later being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2013. In 2024, she was sworn in as Chief Justice by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and later confirmed by the Nigerian Senate.
Her appointment is seen as a strong statement on gender inclusion in Nigeria’s judiciary, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mukhtar.
Leadership of the Judiciary
As Chief Justice, Justice Kekere‑Ekun heads the Supreme Court of Nigeria and serves as the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for judicial appointments and discipline. She plays a central role in maintaining the independence of the judiciary and interpreting the Constitution, particularly in critical electoral and governance matters.
Key Priorities and Judicial Reforms
Since taking office, the Chief Justice has pushed for several reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s justice system:
- Digital transformation: Introducing digital court processes to tackle judicial delays.
- Capacity building: Supporting training programs for judges and magistrates, especially in emerging areas like cybercrime and financial crimes.
- Judicial transparency: Promoting accountability and swift resolution of complaints within the system.
- Improved working conditions: Advocating for better welfare packages for judicial officers.
Her administration is particularly focused on rebuilding public trust in the judiciary by ensuring the courts remain impartial and accessible to all.
The Importance of the Office
The Chief Justice of Nigeria is the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country. The CJN’s responsibilities include:
- Presiding over hearings at the Supreme Court.
- Influencing major constitutional decisions.
- Ensuring adherence to the rule of law across all judicial levels.
- Overseeing the judicial conduct of judges and court staff nationwide.
This office is crucial in balancing the powers of the executive and legislative arms, especially during constitutional crises or election disputes.
Additional Information
For those interested in legal matters or judiciary reforms, the following institutions are closely related to the Chief Justice’s role:
- The Supreme Court of Nigeria, which hears appeals and major constitutional cases.
- The National Judicial Council (NJC), responsible for managing the judiciary’s affairs.
- The Court of Appeal, which reviews cases before they reach the Supreme Court.
Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun’s appointment in 2025 reflects a forward-looking vision for Nigeria’s judiciary. Her tenure is expected to champion both structural reform and legal integrity, ensuring the law serves all citizens fairly and without bias.
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