(Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Photo by Instagram)
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for the appointment of more women to leadership positions in the judiciary, describing it as essential to justice delivery and institutional legitimacy.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the International Association of Women Judges African Conference, held at the Body of Benchers complex in Abuja, the CJN said the full and effective participation of women within the judiciary has far-reaching implications for justice delivery, from broadening jurisprudential perspectives to reducing unconscious bias and strengthening public confidence in legal institutions.
While acknowledging progress made in the representation of women at entry and intermediate levels, Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that significant work remains to be done at leadership and decision-making levels.
She argued that gender equality within the judiciary is not merely a matter of representation but a fundamental question of institutional legitimacy.
“A judiciary that reflects the diversity of the society it serves is better positioned to command public confidence and to appreciate the varied experiences that come before it,” she said, adding that the judiciary must not be constrained by the very inequalities it is called upon to remedy.
The CJN also called for sustained mentorship initiatives to create pathways for continuity and intergenerational impact, stressing that the strength of the judiciary is built collectively rather than individually.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, a special guest at the event, described the conference theme “Promoting Excellence in the Administration of Justice” as timely and significant.
She urged participants drawn from various African countries to continue building judicial systems that are transparent, compassionate, and anchored in the rule of law, adding that women on the bench enrich the judicial system by broadening perspectives in the dispensation of justice.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, whose speech was delivered by Solicitor-General Beatrice Jedy-Agba, pledged Nigeria’s commitment to advancing judicial reforms that champion gender inclusivity, arguing that the country had already broken the glass ceiling through the appointment of women into critical positions.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the Tinubu administration would continue to provide infrastructure to enhance the justice sector, noting that over 400 residences have been built for judicial officers in Abuja. “We are not playing politics with justice,” he said.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who also serves as President of the National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria the conference organisers reaffirmed the body’s commitment to advancing judicial capacity, promoting gender equality, and fostering collaboration among women judges across Africa.
The event was attended by heads of courts from various African countries, serving and retired Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeal justices, High Court judges, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and the wives of the governors of Abia and Imo states.
