CJN Urged to Embrace Technology for Faster Justice Delivery
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has been urged to drive the adoption of technology in court operations to tackle delays in the country’s justice system.
The appeal was made by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), a justice sector reform advocacy group, which expressed concern over the growing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s judiciary. CSLS President, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), highlighted these concerns during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that the current system is increasingly clogged, preventing timely and fair dispute resolution.
He noted that delays in the administration of justice remain a significant challenge, stating:
“Many cases are filed solely to delay justice, exploiting inefficiencies in the system. Even when judgments are eventually delivered, successful litigants often face difficulties in enforcing court decisions due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and a general disregard for judicial rulings.
“The growing perception that the courts are unable to dispense justice fairly and efficiently is deeply troubling. Such a perception discourages economic investment, erodes public trust, weakens the rule of law, and poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”
Professor Akinseye-George urged the CJN, as the head of Nigeria’s judiciary, to take bold steps to modernize judicial processes, with technology adoption as a top priority.
“The continued reliance on manual, longhand recording of court proceedings is no longer acceptable. The conditions under which our judges operate are challenging, inefficient, and outdated.
“If we can use technology to enhance efficiency in our personal and professional lives, there is no justification for failing to apply technological solutions to expedite and enhance justice delivery.
“As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied. We therefore appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria to establish a clear deadline for the nationwide adoption of:
E-filing of court processes
E-service of court documents
E-assignment of cases
E-arraignment procedures
E-recording and transcription of court proceedings
E-monitoring of judicial performance.”
The CSLS also announced plans for a National Sensitization Webinar on February 11 to create awareness about the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for implementing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and its state-level versions. Additionally, a National Technical Review and Evaluation Conference (NTREC) from February 25 to 27 will bring together key stakeholders to assess compliance with the ACJA, share insights, and address implementation challenges.
Read also: LP senatorial candidate in 2023 election Michael Auta defects to APC
Akinseye-George emphasized that while the NMS outlines critical justice reforms, its adoption remains inconsistent. He pointed to the failure of courts, prosecutors, and defense lawyers to adhere to the 14-day adjournment limit in criminal cases, which has led to prolonged trials, especially for indigent and high-profile defendants.
With the judiciary at a crucial turning point, stakeholders are looking to the CJN for decisive action to integrate technology and reform the justice delivery system for greater efficiency.
