The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said the judiciary in Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of global transformation.

Ms Kekere-Ekun said this at the unveiling of the Supreme Court Mandatory Upload of Electronic copies of Processes, Record of Appeal, and other Matters Practice Directions, 2026, and the Implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS)

She said the unveiling of the initiative on Wednesday in Abuja represented a major step towards the realisation of a fully digitised Registry and a more efficient, technology-driven judicial system.

She said the NCMS is to enhance the management of appeals before the court, improve the accessibility and integrity of court records; strengthen transparency and accountability in court processes and facilitate a more efficient administration of justice.

She stated, “It has been carefully designed to support the entire lifecycle of cases before the court and reduce dependence on manual processes and paper based record management.

“The system will significantly improve case tracking, record retrieval, document management and the overall workflow within the registry.

“Beyond these operational improvements, the NCMS will significantly strengthen the security, integrity and traceability of court records.’’

The CJN noted that one of the enduring challenges confronting judicial administration globally was the need to safeguard court records against unauthorised alteration, manipulation, loss or misuse.

“By creating a secure digital repository and comprehensive audit trail for all processes and records filed before the court.

“The system will substantially reduce opportunities for record tampering and reinforce public confidence in the authenticity and reliability of court records, thereby strengthening the integrity of the appellate process.

“Implementation of the system will be undertaken in a structured and carefully managed manner to ensure a seamless transition while minimising disruption to the operations of the court.’’

The CJN stressed that the first phase would focus on the mandatory uploading of electronic copies of processes and records in pending appeals.

Ms Kekere-Ekun added, “This phase will initially apply to appeals scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026.

“Counsel appearing in such matters will be required to upload all relevant processes and records onto the platform within the timelines prescribed by the Practice Directions.

“Thereafter, implementation will proceed progressively on a quarterly basis until all pending appeals before the Court have been fully captured within the system.’’

She said the second phase would involve the electronic filing of processes, which would ultimately transform the manner in which appeals and applications were initiated and managed before the supreme court.

She added, “Upon full implementation, litigants and counsel will be able to interact with the court through a more efficient, transparent and technologically enabled filing system that reflects international best practices.

“It enhances the court’s capacity to detect irregularities, verify the authenticity of documents filed before it and maintain a transparent, secure and fully traceable record of every transaction undertaken on the platform.

“These measures are not intended merely to digitise existing processes; rather, they are designed to improve the quality, reliability and efficiency of judicial administration at the apex court.

“It better position the Supreme Court to discharge its constitutional mandate in a manner consistent with the demands and expectations of a modern justice system.’’

Ms Kekere-Ekun added that the transition from a paper-based system to a digital environment does not diminish the obligations; rather, it heightens them.

She noted, “The success of this initiative will therefore depend substantially on the cooperation, diligence and professionalism of members of the Bar.

“Counsel are enjoined to ensure that only authentic and duly authorised processes are uploaded onto the platform, and only in matters in which they have been properly briefed and instructed.

“The court expects strict compliance with the ptactice directions and the highest standards of professional responsibility in the use of the platform.’’

She reiterated that the court would view any attempt to upload forged, altered, unauthorised or otherwise irregular processes with the utmost seriousness.

“Any such misconduct will attract the appropriate legal, regulatory and disciplinary consequences, the integrity of the court’s records is fundamental and must remain beyond reproach.

“It is important to recognise that every major technological reform is likely to encounter practical challenges during its initial stages of implementation.

“No system of this scale is entirely free from early operational difficulties or unforeseen glitches.

“Such challenges should not be regarded as evidence of failure, nor should they discourage our commitment to this important reform,’’ she added.

(NAN)