The International Association of Judges (IAJ) has admitted the National Association of Judges in Nigeria (NAJN) as a member of the global judicial body.
NAJN, which will represent Nigeria in the association, was admitted during the 67th Annual Meeting of the IAJ taking place 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 world body signifies global recognition and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.
Reacting to the development, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the membership as a moment of pride and privilege for the nation, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of 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 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,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IAJ was founded in 1953 in Salzburg, Austria, as a professional, non-political, international organisation bringing together national associations of judges, rather than individual judges.
Its primary objective is to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, an essential requirement for upholding human rights and freedom.
The Central Council serves as the IAJ’s executive body, with each member association represented by two delegates.
At the Central Council meeting held in Taipei in September 2023, Mr. Duro Sessa, a judge from Croatia, was elected President of the IAJ for a two-year term, while Mr. Giacomo Oberto, a judge of the Civil Court in Turin, was reappointed Secretary-General for a sixth term.
With its admission, Nigeria becomes the 93rd member of the association, which has members drawn from five continents.
Before admitting NAJN, the IAJ reviewed some of the challenges facing the Nigerian judiciary, but also acknowledged ongoing reforms being implemented under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership.
