The judiciary remains the last line of defence for Nigeria’s democracy, but urgent reforms are needed to prevent institutional decline and safeguard the nation’s future, Justice Mohammed Baba Idris of the Supreme Court has declared.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Benin City, Edo State, Justice Idris warned that democracy cannot thrive where justice is delayed, compromised, inaccessible or subjected to political interference.

Speaking on the theme, “The Repositioning for Effective Justice Delivery and Democratic Stability in Nigeria,” the Supreme Court Justice said the survival of constitutional democracy depends largely on the strength, credibility, independence and efficiency of the judiciary.

He noted that while Nigeria has recorded significant democratic progress since the return to civil rule in 1999, serious challenges continue to threaten the administration of justice and public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Where justice is compromised or denied, the foundations of stability are inevitably eroded. Where courts are weakened or perceived as lacking independence, the democratic order becomes increasingly vulnerable,” he said.

Justice Idris described the judiciary as the stabilising force of constitutional democracy, stressing that courts have consistently prevented constitutional crises through the resolution of electoral and constitutional disputes and by ensuring adherence to the rule of law.

He pointed to recent judicial interventions on local government autonomy, emergency powers and the protection of fundamental rights as evidence of the judiciary’s role in preserving constitutional governance.

The jurist, however, identified seven major challenges confronting justice delivery in Nigeria, including delays in adjudication, inadequate funding and infrastructure, corruption concerns, political interference, technological deficiencies, insecurity and the growing disregard for court orders.

According to him, prolonged delays in the determination of cases have become one of the most troubling features of the justice system, with some litigations lasting for years or even decades.

“It is not uncommon for litigants who initiated proceedings to pass away before the final determination of their cases,” he lamented.

Justice Idris also raised concerns over poor funding and the slow implementation of constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial autonomy for the judiciary.

He noted that many courts across the country still operate under difficult conditions, lacking modern technological facilities, digital infrastructure, research tools and adequate support systems.

On corruption and ethical concerns, the Supreme Court Justice acknowledged that while most judicial officers remain persons of integrity, allegations and perceptions of corruption continue to undermine public trust in the justice system.

He warned that any attempt by political actors to intimidate courts, influence judicial outcomes, or disregard lawful court orders poses a serious threat to constitutional governance and the rule of law.

“A democracy cannot flourish where judgments of competent courts are ignored with impunity,” he stated.

To address the challenges, Justice Idris proposed sweeping reforms, including strengthening judicial independence, expanding technological innovation, modernising procedural laws, enhancing judicial education, promoting ethical accountability, and widening access to justice.