By Prosper Mene
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has hailed the admission of the National Association of Judges of Nigeria (NAJN) into the prestigious International Association of Judges (IAJ), calling it a “moment of pride and privilege” for the country.
The NAJN, representing Nigerian judges at the global level, was officially admitted during the 67th Annual Meeting of the IAJ in Baku, Azerbaijan. This makes Nigeria the 93rd member of the association, which spans 92 national groups across five continents and was founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953.
The IAJ, a non-political organization, unites national judges’ associations to promote judicial independence, the rule of law, and human rights protection. Before approving NAJN’s membership, the IAJ reviewed challenges facing Nigeria’s judiciary but commended ongoing reforms under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership to boost efficiency, transparency, and autonomy.In a statement by her media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the CJN said: “This admission demonstrates international recognition and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.
It is a call to action for us to uphold the highest standards of judicial integrity and continue our reform efforts.”The development aligns with wider initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s legal system amid global scrutiny.
Each member association, including NAJN, has two representatives on the IAJ’s Central Council, which meets annually in different countries.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s commendation shows the judiciary’s commitment to global best practices, potentially opening doors for collaboration on judicial training and human rights advocacy.
