In a clarion call for judicial independence, prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has reiterated the urgent need for financial autonomy for the judiciary to become a reality by 2025.
Speaking at a recent legal symposium in Abuja, Falana highlighted the critical role financial independence plays in safeguarding the integrity and efficiency of the judiciary.
"Without financial autonomy, the judiciary cannot truly fulfill its constitutional mandate as an independent arm of government," Falana stated.
He emphasized that the lack of financial independence has perpetually subjected the judiciary to undue influence and administrative bottlenecks, undermining its ability to deliver justice swiftly and impartially.
Falana pointed to the challenges of delayed funding and reliance on the executive arm for budgetary approvals, describing it as a "direct contradiction of the separation of powers enshrined in our constitution.
" He also lamented the poor infrastructure, inadequate staff welfare, and the slow pace of judicial proceedings, which he argued are direct consequences of the lack of financial control by the judiciary.
As 2025 approaches, Falana urged all stakeholders, including the National Assembly and state governments, to ensure that existing laws guaranteeing financial autonomy for the judiciary are fully implemented.
He warned that failure to actualize this would not only erode public trust in the legal system but also weaken democracy.
"This is not just about lawyers or judges; this is about the survival of our democracy. Financial autonomy for the judiciary is non-negotiable," he said.
The statement has garnered widespread support from legal practitioners and civil society organizations, who see it as a necessary step toward a more robust and independent judiciary. However, critics argue that mere legislation without enforcement mechanisms will not suffice.
As debates intensify, Falana’s bold declaration serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria’s leadership to prioritize judicial independence in their governance agenda for the coming year.