Judges suffer political pressure due to financial dependence – NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Akure, Ondo State, says judges in Nigeria are facing increasing political pressure because the judiciary does not control its own finances.

In a communique released after its 2025 Law Week, the NBA explained that the judiciary depends too much on the Executive arm of government for funding. They said the Executive controls 60 to 70 percent of the judiciary’s budget, making the courts financially weak and easy to influence.

According to the NBA, this lack of financial freedom “creates serious challenges and forces judicial leaders to keep going to the Executive for help. This affects their independence and exposes them to political interference.”

The Law Week, with the theme “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Role for Stakeholders,” also focused on reducing the burden of election cases on the courts.

The NBA Akure branch suggested that:

The judiciary should play a limited role in election matters to reduce congestion in the courts.

Issues of electoral integrity should be handled mainly by the Executive and Legislature.

Election laws should be clearer to stop politicians from abusing loopholes.

All election disputes should be settled before anyone is sworn into office.

The association also insisted that Section 121(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution must be fully implemented so the judiciary can control its own finances without interference.

They announced plans to create a special committee that will work with the judiciary and the Executive to push for true financial autonomy for the courts.

The communique also encouraged full enforcement of the Correctional Service Act, 2019, so ex-inmates can be properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

The NBA said a truly effective and people-focused judiciary can only be achieved through cooperation between all major stakeholders: the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, civil society, the public, and especially the legal profession.