In a country where public confidence in major institutions has often wavered, two of Nigeria’s most critical pillars—the military and the judiciary—are undergoing transformations that many observers describe as historic. Recent months have seen the Nigerian Army under Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the judiciary led by Chief Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun embark on ambitious reform agendas, each seeking to address deep-rooted challenges and restore public trust. The scale and speed of these changes have sparked cautious optimism among civil society groups, lawyers, and rights advocates, who are watching closely to see if tangible progress will follow these bold initiatives.
According to a statement released on February 10, 2026, by Nigeria Integrity Watch, the first 90 days of Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff have marked “one of the most ambitious institutional reforms in recent Army history.” Since assuming office on October 24, 2025, Shaibu has commissioned new housing estates, inducted 6,830 soldiers, promoted 105 senior officers, and overhauled training programs across several formations. The organisation’s spokesperson, Dr. John Nang, noted that these efforts signal a decisive shift in Nigeria’s military strategy at a time when the country faces worsening security challenges.
“We particularly commend the expansion of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers scheme, which serves as a major morale booster for troops on the frontlines, especially wounded-in-action personnel who are now eligible for permanent housing support,” the statement read. The commissioning of a 60-unit housing estate in Ibadan, alongside similar projects in Abuja, Benin, Jos, and Akwa Ibom, reflects what many describe as a deliberate ‘soldier-first’ welfare policy under Shaibu’s leadership.
But the reforms do not stop at welfare. The Army Chief has placed strong emphasis on intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and modern warfare training, acknowledging the evolving nature of security threats in Nigeria. The graduation of new recruits in Zaria and Osogbo, coupled with plans to train an additional 7,000 soldiers at a newly approved depot in Abakaliki, points to a sustained push to strengthen manpower and readiness.
International cooperation has also intensified. The Nigerian Army’s growing partnerships with the United States and Switzerland—particularly in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and frontline medical support—are seen as critical to enhancing operational effectiveness. Nigeria Integrity Watch, while urging continued implementation, stated that “the foundation has been laid. Nigerians will now be watching to see tangible gains on the battlefield and in civilian safety.”
Just as the Army is seeking to rebuild from within, the judiciary is experiencing its own renaissance under Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun. Seventeen months after assuming office as Acting Chief Justice on August 23, 2024, she stands at what many senior members of the Bar describe as the center of a “deliberate, if arduous, journey back to credibility, discipline, and institutional dignity.” According to The Nation, the significance of her tenure lies in the nature of the reforms: measured, structural, and anchored in long-term integrity rather than fleeting political applause.
Upon taking office at a time of acute institutional fragility, Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the erosion of public trust caused by allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and opaque appointments. She pledged, “We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary. I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.” Her vision was clear: cooperation, discipline, transparency, and accountability would be the cornerstones of a renewed judiciary.
These words have not remained mere rhetoric. As Chairperson of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Kekere-Ekun has spearheaded a series of reforms designed to restore merit and transparency in judicial appointments. The recent elevation of Justice Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole to the Supreme Court is widely cited as emblematic of this new ethos. Nominated by the NJC and confirmed by the Senate without controversy, Justice Oyewole’s appointment was hailed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the nomination of “a square peg in a square hole.”
Justice Oyewole, who became a judge in 2001, is known for presiding over landmark cases, including a 2005 fraud conviction involving $242 million and the 2007 sentencing of Reverend King for murder. His record of impartiality and legal acumen, with none of his judgments ever overturned on appeal, is now seen as a benchmark for future appointments.
Disciplinary reforms have also gained momentum. The NJC, under Kekere-Ekun’s leadership, has addressed petitions against judicial officers with new urgency, dismissing frivolous complaints and imposing firm sanctions where warranted. Her interventions in Imo and Benue States, where she acted to defend judicial independence against political interference, have been widely applauded as essential to upholding constitutional order.
The Supreme Court itself has undergone a quiet revolution. Administrative dysfunctions—such as missing case files and unexplained adjournments—are being tackled through the consolidation of records units, the introduction of a central information desk, and transparent, open-court case listings. The Supreme Court Rules 2024 have imposed strict timelines for filing briefs, ending the culture of endless adjournments. Filing fees have soared from N4.8 million to N347.8 million in the 2024/2025 Legal Year, reflecting increased efficiency and compliance.
Technology has become a cornerstone of judicial reform. Lawyer enrolment and notary public applications are now digitised, and electronic notarisation—linked to embassies—has curbed quackery and abuse. Welfare improvements for judges and court staff, including prompt salary payments and regular training, have been prioritised to reduce corruption risks and reinforce professional dignity.
Senior lawyers and rights advocates have praised Kekere-Ekun’s “steady and reform-focused” approach. Former CDHR President Malachy Ugwummadu described the disqualification of over twenty judicial officers during rigorous screening as “remarkable and unprecedented.” Rights activist Kabir Akingbolu commended the CJN’s insistence on merit and discipline, while senior lawyer Ige Asemudara highlighted her focus on institutional strengthening over political drama. Tosin Ojaomo, a former Special Prosecutor, suggested that further reforms—such as establishing specialised tribunals for election petitions—might be necessary to fully restore public trust.
While both the Army and the judiciary still face daunting challenges, the reforms of the past year offer a glimpse of what sustained, principled leadership can achieve. Whether these efforts will translate into lasting gains remains to be seen, but for now, Nigerians are watching with renewed hope as two of their most vital institutions strive to reclaim their integrity and purpose.