The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has promised to ensure that the National Judicial Council (NJC) works with states’ judiciaries to harmonise the deployment of technology to allow for seamless adaptation nationwide.
Justice Kekere-Ekun promised to champion the application of technology to court’s operations in the country in view of the many benefits, while also suggesting ways to address the possible challenges that may be encountered.
She stressed the need to learn from other jurisdictions in adapting global best practices to the country’s local realities.
The CJN said: “In this regard, the NJC, under my leadership, is committed to working with state judiciaries and other stakeholders to standardize digital protocols, harmonize technology platforms, and ensure interoperability across jurisdictions.
“This will reduce fragmentation and promote a cohesive national approach to court digitization.
“As the Chief Justice of Nigeria, I pledge to continue to work with all stakeholders – within and beyond the judiciary – to ensure that our courts are not left behind in the digital revolution.
“Indeed, we shall lead from the front, building a judiciary that is not only fit for the future, but worthy of the trust and aspirations of every Nigerian,” she said.
The CJN spoke in Lagos on June 18 while delivering the University of Lagos’ Department of Law’s special public lecture, with the theme: “Justice in the digital age – Leveraging technology for an efficient and accessible Judiciary.”
She spoke about the need to build and inclusive, secure and sustainable digital court system, noting that the ability of the Judiciary to leverage technology effectively is shaped by the wider digital ecosystem because it does not exist in a vacuum.
According to her, a successful digital transition of the judiciary requires the concerted effort of a wide range of actors, including the judges, who must be ready to embrace a culture of innovation and be open to ongoing professional development.
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She added that to achieve a digital court system also demands that lawyers integrate digital advocacy tools into their practice and comply with digital filing and hearing protocols.
The CJN added that the law makers would be required to amend procedural laws and provide adequate budgetary allocations to support digital infrastructure, while the Executive and development partners must collaborate with the judiciary in providing logistics, funding, and technical assistance, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
She also spoke about the roles of the technology companies, including legal tech startups; the academia and the civil society.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who stressed the many benefits of a digital court system in today’s world, noted that the legitimacy of the Judiciary rests not merely on legal authority, but also on public confidence.
She added: “When citizens see that their cases are heard promptly, that their filings are acknowledged, that they can follow proceedings remotely, and that court records are accurate and accessible, they are more likely to trust the process.
“When justice is seen to be delivered efficiently and transparently, it reaffirms the judiciary’s place as a stabilizing force in society.
“Even so, public confidence is not built overnight. It requires continuous engagement, responsiveness to criticism, and a genuine commitment to reform.
“As we deploy technology, we must continue to listen—to litigants, to lawyers, to scholars, and to everyday Nigerians.
“Technology must never become a barrier to justice. Rather, it must be a bridge—connecting the courts to the people in ways that are humane, dignified, and effective.
“As custodians of justice, we must accept that the expectations of Nigerians are rising and rightly so. They demand justice that is not only fair but timely. A system that is not only lawful but humane,” the CJN said.
Looking into the future, Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke about a Judiciary where justice is no longer confined to the four walls of a courtroom; where litigants can file a suit, monitor progress, attend hearings, and receive decisions without geographical or logistical hindrance.
She also envisioned a Judiciary where case allocation is smart and transparent; where records are digital and searchable; and where every judge is empowered with tools to do justice efficiently and fairly.
The CJN said: “My vision is for a judiciary that upholds its sacred mandate with dignity, but also evolves with the demands of a rapidly changing society.
“A judiciary that is not left behind by the digital wave sweeping across sectors, but one that leads by example in using technology to serve the people better.
“The digital age offers the Nigerian judiciary an unprecedented opportunity to redefine its service to the people.
“It is an opportunity to shift from a manual, paper-based model to a smart, citizen-centric system; one that honours the Constitution, upholds the rule of law, and reflects the lived realities of Nigerians in all their diversity.
“To achieve this vision, we must be deliberate. We must invest not just in hardware and software, but also in people, in policy, and in partnerships.
“Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that every courtroom is empowered to deliver justice—not only efficiently, but equitably.
“Most importantly, we must never lose sight of the human dimension. Justice is not a file, a date, or a ruling. It is the lived experience of a citizen, who feels seen, heard and respected,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.
