A new report by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resources Centre has raised alarm over widespread corruption, bribery, and systemic inefficiencies within Nigeria’s judiciary, warning that financial dependence and political interference are threatening its impartiality.

The findings were revealed during the public presentation of volume five of HEDA’s Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) report, titled “Voices for Justice: A Civic Lens on Nigeria’s Judicial System – Documenting Public Experiences, Opinions & Reform Demands,” held in Lagos.

According to the report, unethical practices have become normalised in the judicial system, with 130 out of 266 respondents admitting to bribing court officials to speed up services.

The survey spanned 1,357 participants across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The report highlighted significant concerns about accessibility, with only 11.8 per cent of the respondents rating the courts as highly accessible.

In contrast,18.7 per cent rated accessibility as two out of five and 17.8 per cent gave the lowest rating of one, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with barriers to justice.

Participants detailed encounters with court officials involving bribery, procedural delays, and perceived bias in rulings. Many expressed the belief that the judicial process often favours the wealthy and well-connected, while bureaucratic inefficiencies and unprofessional behaviour undermine trust in the system.

HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, who presented the report, said the judiciary is facing a serious credibility crisis.

“Allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and political interference have significantly eroded public confidence in this institution. This is not theoretical, it’s a daily reality for millions of Nigerians seeking justice,” Arigbabu stated.

To restore public trust, HEDA is advocating full judicial autonomy, reforms to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for improved effectiveness, the adoption of technology to enhance transparency, and a renewed emphasis on ethical conduct among judicial personnel.

“These are not mere suggestions; they are imperatives for safeguarding the integrity of our justice system and democratic institutions,” Arigbabu declared.