The consensus among experts was clear: strengthening the judiciary is not merely a reform agenda; it is essential for democracy, rule of law, and economic resilience. They spoke at the Dialogue on National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS), reports Deputy News Editor JOSEPH JIBUEZE
Nigeria’s judiciary stands at a critical crossroads, where the rule of law, democratic stability, and economic growth intersect.
Judicial reform is, therefore, both a legal and economic imperative.
A fair and efficient judiciary ensures enforceable contracts, deters corruption, and encourages investment.
At the Dialogue on the National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS), legal and business experts stressed that strengthening the judiciary is not merely a reform agenda, but is critical for democracy, rule of law, and development.
They highlighted persistent challenges undermining justice delivery.
These include delays, case congestion, inconsistent rulings, inadequate infrastructure, low digital literacy, and limited access to technology.
The dialogue was organised by the Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDdF), a platform convened by the American Business Council and Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), in conjunction with Digitslaw Network Limited and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Among the speakers were Dr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Prof. Bankole Sodipo (SAN), Adeyemi Candide-Johnson (SAN), NACCIMA Director-General Olusola Obadimu, and CIPE Africa Regional Hub Director Mrs Lola Adekanye.
There were also contributions from legal experts Ebele Enedah and Isioma Idigbe, both partners at Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, and Deputy Law Editor at ThisDay, Jude Igbanoi, among others.
They emphasised that without an independent, efficient, and transparent judiciary, democracy becomes fragile, business confidence declines, and citizens’ trust erodes.
The dialogue underscored the transformative potential of technology in addressing these gaps.
Recommendations included expanding digital case management, e-filing, virtual hearings, and AI-assisted legal research; mandating adoption of court technology by legal practitioners; investing in infrastructure, training, and cybersecurity; and fostering collaboration between courts, private-sector innovators, and civil society.
Participants also called for the review of existing policies like the Judiciary Information Technology Policy (JIPTO), the development of interoperable platforms, and the creation of a national digital justice repository.
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Strengthening the judiciary, they concluded, is not only a legal imperative but an economic necessity, essential for restoring investor confidence, accelerating justice delivery, and consolidating Nigeria’s democratic and economic resilience.
Idigbe advocates digitisation
Dr Idigbe observed that while the Constitution does not explicitly define democracy, its preamble enshrines the values of freedom, equality, and justice.
“The Constitution created the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary to enforce the separation of powers, in line with Montesquieu’s thoughts.
“Institutions like the National Judicial Council ensure transparency and independence in judicial appointments,” he explained.
He referenced Hon. Deemster Doyle of the Isle of Man, who warned that while accountability of public officials is crucial, applying this scrutiny to the judiciary must be balanced to preserve the effectiveness of the separation of powers.
Doyle’s key advice included ensuring that administrative support to the judiciary remains independent – a principle that resonated throughout the dialogue.
Despite constitutional guarantees and decades of reform efforts, the SAN stressed that Nigeria’s courts face systemic inefficiencies.
Idigbe highlighted the persistent issues of delays, congestion, costs, and inconsistent outcomes.
He cited research demonstrating that informal factors, such as overworked judges, procrastinating prosecutors, poorly prepared investigations, and non-cooperative witnesses, often contribute more to delays than formal procedural shortcomings.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Addressing delays is fundamental to giving the rule of law practical meaning,” he said.
Idigbe contextualised these challenges within pre- and post-COVID-19 realities, including inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power, low digital literacy, and the exclusion of rural populations and people with disabilities.
He called for a mindset of “leapfrogging,” using technology to overcome structural limitations rapidly.
He cited Nigeria’s mobile phone revolution as an example, where GSM technology enabled the country to move from 400,000 landlines to over 200 million mobile phones in just 10 years.
“Post-COVID-19, the digital economy is on an irreversible trajectory. The judiciary must embrace this change to remain relevant,” he emphasised.
He noted the NJC’s technology reform initiatives, which include a Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS), LegalMail, e-filing, online dispute resolution, AI drafting and research tools, and electronic payment technologies.
States like Rivers, Borno, Bayelsa, and Delta have already implemented these systems, with the Federal High Court piloting AI-assisted justice delivery.
“Even if the court system is reformed, delays will remain if private lawyers are not up to speed with technology,” Idigbe warned, underscoring the need for private sector adoption of legal technology.
He emphasised that the adoption of digital tools by the judiciary alone is insufficient.
Private sector actors, particularly lawyers and law firms, must also leverage technology to reduce systemic delays, he said.
He noted that despite progress, significant challenges remain:
•Inadequate funding for infrastructure and maintenance
•Cybersecurity threats and data protection concerns
•Insufficient regulatory frameworks to drive compliance
•Lack of training and technical expertise among judges, court staff, and lawyers
•Unreliable power supply
Idigbe warned that technological adoption without addressing these issues risks failure.
He invoked Grudin’s Law, cautioning that systems are likely to fail if those who benefit are not those who operate them.
He noted that platforms such as DigitsLaw, Law Pavilion, and Case Radar allow law firms to manage client cases, generate documents, conduct AI-assisted legal research, and integrate with NCMS systems for seamless e-filing.
Sodipo: more funding needed
Prof. Sodipo, delivering the keynote, stressed the judiciary’s role in democratic consolidation and economic growth.
He argued that a predictable legal environment fosters private sector confidence, promotes investment, and supports inclusive development.
Sodipo highlighted Nigeria’s poor performance in global rule of law indices, ranking 120 out of 140 countries in 2024, behind countries such as Niger, El Salvador, and Ukraine.
He called for urgent adoption of technology and collaboration with stakeholders, including the Central Bank and development partners.
The SAN said: “The rule of law and an independent judiciary are fundamental to any democratic and economically thriving country.
“The judiciary and the rule of law are essential pillars for advancing Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development.
“Independent and professional judges are the foundation of a fair, impartial, and constitutionally guaranteed system of courts of law known as the judiciary.
“This independence does not imply judges can make decisions based on personal preferences, but rather that they are free to make lawful decisions even if those decisions contradict the government or powerful parties involved in a case.
“A strong legal and regulatory ecosystem is vital for democratic stability and economic growth.
“A predictable and transparent legal environment not only ensures justice and equality under the law but also provides the foundation for private sector confidence, innovation, and inclusive development.”
Shodipo stressed that the rule of law underpins democracy, economic competitiveness, and institutional stability.
Citing former Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher, he said an effective justice system is based on four principles: independence, transparency, accountability and efficiency.
He also quoted Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who stressed that the ability of the Nigerian judiciary to successfully adopt and implement technology will depend in large part on the strength of the national digital ecosystem.
Noting the adoption of technology in its rules, the professor of law said the judiciary needs to be engaged.
“The Nigerian judiciary is ready for collaboration. We must urge the heads of courts to adopt and adapt the National Judicial Institute and the National Judicial Council’s mandates.
“We need to collect data about various stages of the judicial system in order to highlight the depth of the problem.
“This may help the government to realise the significance of the issues and devote funds to deal with the problems.
“Our efforts must be all encompassing by addressing the court registrars, bailiffs and support staff,” he said.
‘Technology can play a transformative role’
Candide-Johnson, Chairman of PSDdF Steering Committee, said strengthening the judiciary is not just a legal reform agenda, but is an economic imperative.
According to him, investors thrive where contracts are enforceable, where corruption is punished, and where justice is timely.
“A fair and efficient judicial system gives businesses the confidence to invest, innovate, and expand,” he said.
He stressed that strengthening the judiciary in the 21st century requires innovation.
According to him, society is not built by courts alone but by a shared culture of integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Candide-Johnson added: “Technology can and will play a transformative role – from digital case management and e-filing systems to data-driven performance tracking and online access to justice.
“That is why the collaboration with DigitsLaw, a legal innovation and technology firm, is so vital.
“It represents the convergence of legal reform and digital innovation – two drivers of national transformation.”
The SAN said PSDdF was established as a platform for collaboration among organisations and institutions representing the private sector, think tanks, civil society, academia, and the media, with a shared conviction that democracy and economic prosperity are closely linked.
Its work, he said, is guided by a simple but powerful belief that a strong democracy, built on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, provides the enabling environment for innovation, fair competition, and inclusive growth.
Through research, dialogue, and advocacy, the Forum aims to bridge the gap between governance and enterprise, ensuring that the private sector not only benefits from democracy but also actively contributes to strengthening it.
The SAN added: “Predictable laws, efficient courts, and integrity in governance form the bedrock of investor confidence, citizen trust, and national stability.
“To advance this vision, the PSDdF has developed the National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS) – a comprehensive document that examines Nigeria’s current democratic and governance landscape to identify potential inflection points and those reforms that will have a catalytic effect towards building a more stable, fair, and equitable democratic nation while emphasising the role of private sector organisations, civil society and academia.”
According to him, the NADS identifies four priority areas that are critical to consolidating democracy, including strengthening specific democratic institutions, strategic technical capacity development and civic education, promoting private sector accountability, transparency, and responsibility to curb corruption and advocating for land tenure reforms to address arbitrary use and abuse of powers.
“The NADS is a call to action for all stakeholders to play their part in shaping a more democratic, accountable, and prosperous Nigeria.
“We are doing this because we know that an independent, efficient, and transparent judiciary is the anchor of democracy, human rights, and economic stability.
“Without a credible rule of law system, democracy becomes fragile, businesses lose confidence, citizens lose trust, and justice becomes the privilege of the few rather than the right of all,” Candide-Johnson said.
Economic implications of judicial reform
Obadimu highlighted the economic rationale for judicial reform.
He said: “Every thriving economy relies on the predictability, fairness, and integrity of its legal systems. Efficient, impartial, and accessible justice fosters enterprise and investment.”
He pointed out that Nigeria’s private sector contributes over 80 per cent of GDP and 90 per cent of jobs, yet legal uncertainty and enforcement challenges remain major constraints.
He emphasised that strengthening the judiciary, implementing digital case management, and establishing specialised commercial courts are necessary steps for enhancing investor confidence and promoting sustainable growth.
Obadimu said: “Every thriving economy is built, not merely on natural resources or capital investments, but on the predictability, fairness, and integrity of its legal and regulatory systems.
“Where justice is slow, uncertain, or compromised, business confidence declines. But where justice is efficient, impartial, and accessible, enterprise flourishes.
“Across Africa and indeed around the world, evidence shows that economies that strengthen the rule of law also attract greater investment.
“The World Bank’s Doing Business indicators consistently rank countries with transparent judicial processes among those with the highest inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI).”
He referred to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index (2024), which ranks Nigeria 118th out of 142 countries, reflecting persistent challenges in civil justice, regulatory enforcement, and corruption control.
“These are not just numbers; they are realities that shape the daily experience of our entrepreneurs and MSMEs, the true drivers of our national economy.
“We must, therefore, approach justice reform not as an abstract legal exercise, but as an economic necessity.
“A predictable and transparent justice system lowers transaction costs, enhances credit confidence, and ensures that agreements, the very building blocks of commerce, are respected.
“Indeed, the private sector depends on the rule of law to protect intellectual property and investment rights; guarantee fair competition and transparent regulatory frameworks; and resolve disputes swiftly through courts or alternative mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation.”
The NACCIMA DG noted that Nigeria has begun to make notable strides through legal and institutional reforms, but said the journey ahead demands deeper institutional commitment.
“We must continue to drive judicial reforms that promote digital case management, time-bound adjudication of commercial disputes, and the establishment of specialised Commercial Divisions in our courts.
“Capacity-building for judges, lawyers, and business actors is equally vital to ensure that all understand the economic implications of delayed or inconsistent justice.
“Beyond the courtroom, justice must also find expression in public policy in transparent procurement systems, fair taxation, predictable regulation, and the sanctity of contracts.
“When government actions are consistent with the rule of law, businesses plan better, invest more confidently, and expand sustainably.
“As we look toward the coming decade, let us remember that justice is not only a moral virtue, but also a strategic advantage.
“Strengthening the rule of law is the surest route to restoring investor confidence, unlocking innovation, and ensuring that our growth is both inclusive and sustainable.
“Let us, therefore, work together, policymakers, the judiciary, the bar, and the private sector, inclusive to build a justice system that is not only fair, but functional; not only independent, but efficient; and above all, one that truly enables enterprise to thrive.”
Place of legal technology
Head of Communications at DigitsLaw, Osho Alaba, described the platform as a cloud-based legal practice management solution designed to meet Africa’s unique legal and regulatory environment.
She said the platform enables:
Seamless collaboration among lawyers, corporate legal teams, and justice institutions
Streamlined workflows, file sharing, and task management
Mobile access for real-time updates on cases and client communications
Compliance with local regulations while supporting innovation
Digitslaw, she said, is designed to help law firms, corporate legal teams, and justice institutions operate efficiently in a digital era.
“We provide an end-to-end suite of tools that streamline legal workflows, enhance collaboration, and support data-driven decision-making across the justice system.
“Our mission is to digitise legal operations in Africa and empower legal professionals with technology that improves access to justice, transparency, and service delivery.
“We also have a powerful mobile application that enables lawyers and legal teams to manage their work seamlessly on the go.
“From accessing case files to tracking court dates, tasks, and client communication, the app ensures that critical information and tools are always within reach, whether in chambers, in transit, or inside the courtroom.
“With real-time notifications, secure access to documents, and the ability to update matters and activities remotely, the Digitslaw mobile app brings flexibility, speed, and continuity to legal practice.
“It empowers modern legal professionals to stay productive and connected anytime, anywhere,” Alaba said.
The Rule of Law Scorecard, an evidence-based framework being developed under the PSDdF to assess and track Nigeria’s progress in strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance, was also introduced at the event.
