By Correspondent in Abuja.
The International Association of Judges (IAJ) has officially admitted the National Association of Judges in Nigeria (NAJN) as a member of the global judicial organisation.
The admission, which marks Nigeria’s inclusion in the international community of judges, was announced during the 67th Annual Meeting of the IAJ held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Mr. Tobi Soniyi, media aide to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s admission into the prestigious global body underscores the international recognition and confidence reposed in the nation’s judiciary.
Reacting to the development, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the milestone as a moment of pride and privilege for Nigeria, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to the principles of justice and human rights.
“Nigeria embraces this membership with humility, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility.
We recognise the values that this association upholds, and we are determined to contribute actively to its mission.
We remain steadfast in strengthening the independence of our judiciary, upholding the rule of law, and promoting the protection of human rights in our country,”
she stated.
Our correspondent reports that the IAJ was founded in 1953 in Salzburg, Austria. It is a professional, non-political international organisation comprising national associations of judges—rather than individual judges—approved by its Central Council.
The IAJ’s primary objective is to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, an essential condition for the fair administration of justice and the protection of human rights and freedoms.
The Central Council serves as the association’s executive body, with each member association represented by two delegates.
At the IAJ’s Central Council meeting in Taipei in September 2023, Judge Duro Sessa of Croatia was elected President for a two-year term, while Judge Giacomo Oberto of the Civil Court of Turin was reappointed as Secretary-General for a sixth mandate.
With this development, Nigeria becomes the 93rd member of the association, which currently draws membership from five continents.
Before granting admission to NAJN, the IAJ reviewed the challenges confronting the Nigerian judiciary but also acknowledged the reform efforts being championed by Justice Kekere-Ekun.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
