The Nigerian judiciary is actively embracing digital transformation to improve service delivery, restore public confidence, and ensure that justice is accessible to all.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, made this known at the hybrid special public lecture organised by the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos on Wednesday.

The topic of the public lecture was, “Justice in the Digital  Age; Leveraging  Technology for an Efficient and  Accessible judiciary”.

Mrs Kekere-Ekun highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate technology into judicial processes, aiming for a more responsive, resilient, and efficient system.

She illustrated her early adoption of technology to streamline judicial work, recounting her learning to type as a high court judge to expedite judgement preparation.

She said that she later utilised dictation software to manage her schedule as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“These personal adaptations reflect the broader imperative of leveraging technology to make our judiciary more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people,” she stated.

According to her, there are several key areas where technological transformation is already underway within the Nigerian judicial system.

She listed virtual court proceedings, digital recording and transcription as some of the areas.

“Others include e-filing, e-service and case management system, website and online portals, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in judiciary.

‘’The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual court sittings, ensuring continuity of judicial processes and increasing accessibility.

‘’Despite initial constitutional debates, these platforms have proven vital for hearings, examination of witnesses, and delivery of judgements remotely,” Mrs Kekere-Ekun said. 

She said that electronic filing of court processes and electronic service of hearing notices had significantly reduced bureaucratic delays.

She said that various courts, including those in Lagos and the National Industrial Court, have adopted these systems, aligning with global best practices.

Mrs Kekere-Ekun said that case management systems were also being used to streamline administrative tasks and improve data management.

According to her, court websites are evolving beyond symbolic presence to become functional resources.

He said that providing access to court documents, case updates, and legal materials, thereby democratising access to justice and enhancing transparency.

‘’Though in its early stages, AI holds immense promise for enhancing operational efficiency, legal research, decision support, and document review.

However, she cautioned that AI should “augment, not replace judicial wisdom,” emphasising the need for ethical oversight, data privacy, and careful consideration of algorithmic bias.

The CJN identified  enhanced access to justice, improved efficiency, transparency, accountability, and data-driven reforms as significant opportunities presented by digital transformation.

She highlighted how e-filing and remote proceedings reduce physical and financial burdens for litigants, while automated scheduling and AI could significantly reduce case backlogs and improve judgment quality

However, she acknowledged several barriers that must be overcome such as digital infrastructure gaps, digital literacy and Capacity development, legal and regulatory framework among others.

Mrs Kekere-Ekun  said that uneven access to reliable electricity, internet, and basic IT tools across Nigerian courts widens the justice gap between regions.

According to her, literacy and capacity development is a pressing need for continuous training and sensitisation of  court staff, legal practitioners, and judges to effectively use digital platforms.

She said that there was need to update procedural rules and evidence frameworks to reflect the realities of the digital age.

The CJN said that robust protocols were essential to safeguarding sensitive digital information from cyberattacks and data breaches, ensuring confidentiality and maintaining public trust.

She said that the judiciary’s embrace of digital innovation must be guided by three overarching goals: inclusion, trust and sustainability.

She said that ensuring that digital tools did not deepen inequalities, especially for rural dwellers, persons with disabilities, or those in underserved communities required investments in multilingual platforms, assistive technologies, and public education.

The CJN expressed commitment to ensuring that the digital transformation was a lasting endeavour with adequate funding, institutional ownership, trained personnel, and consistent maintenance.

She underscored the crucial role of all stakeholders, judicial officers, court staff, legal practitioners, legislators, the executive, development partners, technology companies, academia, and civil society  in driving this transformation.

“The judiciary we envisage is one where justice is no longer confined to the four walls of the courtroom; where litigants can file a suit, monitor progress, attend hearings, and receive decisions without geographical or logistical hindrances’’.

She expressed a vision for a judiciary that is fair, timely, lawful, and humane, continually evolving with the demands of a modern society. 

(NAN)