The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has called on judicial officers across Nigeria to play a more active role in strengthening the financial system through sound and timely adjudication of banking and deposit insurance-related cases.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Seminar for Judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, and members of the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST), held at the Legend Hotel, Lagos Airport. The event was jointly organized by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
With the seminar themed “Strengthening Adjudication and Depositor Confidence in the Banking System,” the CJN emphasized that the judiciary remains a critical pillar in upholding the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s financial architecture.
“A stable and resilient financial system is fundamental to economic prosperity. At the heart of this stability lies an effective deposit insurance mechanism,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that as final arbiters in financial disputes, judges must be well-equipped to handle complex banking litigation, including insolvency proceedings and regulatory interventions. She called for a judiciary that is efficient, transparent, and consistent in interpreting financial laws in line with international best practices.
“Financial disputes are not just legal matters; they have far-reaching socio-economic consequences. Our decisions influence investor confidence, financial inclusion, and economic growth,” the CJN said.
Reflecting on recent reforms in the financial sector, she highlighted the role of the NDIC in promoting depositor confidence and protecting funds in the event of institutional failures. She pointed to the enactment of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 as a legislative milestone in strengthening deposit protection and regulatory oversight.
The CJN also addressed the emerging challenges posed by digital banking, fintech innovations, and decentralized finance. She urged judges to remain proactive and adaptable in the face of evolving trends that are reshaping the banking landscape.
“The judiciary must remain forward-thinking and responsive to the growing complexities of financial adjudication,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun commended the NJI and NDIC for organizing the seminar, and paid tribute to Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, Chairman of the NJI Education Committee, for leading the intellectual direction of the event. She also praised NJI Administrator Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi and NDIC Managing Director Mr. Bello Hassan for their dedication to judicial education and financial reform.
Declaring the seminar open, the CJN encouraged active participation from judicial officers and financial experts present, noting that the knowledge shared would significantly enhance the capacity of courts to effectively adjudicate financial matters and contribute to the overall stability of the banking system.
“Let us continue to pursue judicial excellence and financial integrity,” she concluded. “Our collective commitment will reinforce public trust and sustain the credibility of Nigeria’s financial institutions.”
The seminar is expected to provide judges with deeper insights into the legal frameworks governing deposit insurance and expose them to current issues in banking law, thereby fostering stronger synergy between the judiciary and financial regulators.
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