The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has hailed the admission of the National Association of Judges in Nigeria (NAJN) into the International Association of Judges (IAJ), describing it as a milestone achievement that underscores global confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.

NAJN was officially admitted as a member of the IAJ during the association’s 67th annual meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan, making Nigeria the 93rd member of the global judicial body.

According to a statement by the CJN’s media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, Nigeria’s inclusion reflects international recognition of the ongoing reforms within the country’s judicial system under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership.

Before granting membership, the IAJ acknowledged the challenges facing the Nigerian judiciary but commended the reform efforts being undertaken to strengthen judicial independence and integrity.

Responding to the development, Justice Kekere-Ekun said Nigeria was honoured to join the community of judges committed to upholding the rule of law, judicial independence, and human rights protection.

“Nigeria embraces this membership with humility, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility. We recognize the values that this Association upholds, and we are determined to contribute actively to its mission,” she said.

“We are committed to further strengthening the independence of our judiciary, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the continued protection and promotion of human rights in our country.”

The International Association of Judges, founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953, is a professional, non-political organisation that brings together national associations of judges from around the world.

Its primary objective is to safeguard judicial independence as a cornerstone of human rights and freedom.

The association currently comprises 93 national associations or representative groups across five continents. The IAJ’s Central Council, which serves as its executive body, consists of two representatives from each member association and meets annually in different countries.

At its September 2023 Central Council meeting in Taipei, Croatian judge Mr. Duro Sessa was elected President of the IAJ for a two-year term, while Italian judge Mr. Giacomo Oberto of the Civil Court in Turin was confirmed as Secretary-General for a sixth mandate.

The IAJ also enjoys consultative status with the United Nations, particularly with the International Labour Office, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the Council of Europe.