Strengthening judicial staff is the Bedrock of a Strong Judiciary, says NJI as Administrators Workshop Opens

The National Judicial Institute has opened a National Workshop for Judicial Administrators on Judicial Ethics, with a call on administrative staff to uphold integrity, fairness, and confidentiality as the public face of the judiciary.

The opening ceremony took place on 20th April 2026, with the Administrator of the NJI, Hon. Justice B.A. Adejumo, OFR, in his welcome address reminding judicial administrators of their critical duties and mandates within the courts and in service to the public. He highlighted the objectives of the workshop and encouraged active engagement between facilitators and participants through meaningful interactions, exchange of ideas, and deliberations. Justice Adejumo commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, for her leadership, vision, and continued support for the judiciary and the Institute. He also expressed appreciation to the representative of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC, CFR, noting his unwavering commitment to institutional reform and capacity development, and further emphasized the importance of fostering ethical relationships among judicial staff, leadership, and subordinates.

In a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Kolade Umoru, the Administrator acknowledged the invaluable guidance of the Chairman of the Education Committee of the NJI Board of Governors, John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, and extended appreciation to members of the committee, Heads of Courts, facilitators, and presenters in attendance.

The ceremony was formally declared open by Hon. Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC, CFR, who underscored the vital role of administrative staff in the judiciary. He noted that personnel responsible for filing processes, managing court records, and handling administrative duties are central to the efficiency and credibility of the courts. Describing judicial administrators as “the public face of the judiciary,” Justice Saulawa stated that their conduct can significantly enhance or undermine public confidence in the justice system. He urged them to uphold core ethical principles—integrity, fairness, professionalism, honesty, and confidentiality—which reflect the standards of the bench.

Justice Saulawa also addressed the importance of ethical governance in the use of technology supporting court processes and proceedings. In his concluding remarks, he encouraged participants to cascade the knowledge and insights gained from the workshop to their respective institutions, reiterating that “Strengthening judicial staff is the bedrock of a strong Judiciary.”

Kolade Umoru, Head of Information and Public Relations, confirmed the details of the event in the statement.