The ECOWAS Court of Justice says it aims to go fully digital by 2030, become more accessible and efficient, and be recognised as a benchmark among judicial institutions in the sub-region.

President of the court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, announced this at the formal unveiling of the court’s Electronic Case Management System on Monday, in Abuja.

“Looking ahead, we hope that, over the next six months, at least 80 per cent of legal professionals will be registered on the platform and that all new cases will be filed via the ECMS.

“By 2030, we aim to establish a fully digital court that is more efficient, accessible and recognised as a benchmark among regional judicial institutions,” he said.

Mr Gonçalves described the initiative as the beginning of a new era in which technology strengthens access to justice, enhances efficiency and promotes transparency in regional justice administration.

He also said it reaffirmed the court’s commitment to innovation, institutional strengthening and the provision of an excellent judicial service to about 400 million community citizens.

According to him, the unveiling of ECMS marks a transformative step toward a more modern, efficient, transparent and accessible justice system.

He said that, being available in English, French and Portuguese, the system would reduce administrative delays, eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures and enhance transparency, institutional accountability and efficiency of the court’s services.

The court’s president, however, noted that the system’s true success would depend on everyone’s commitment to using it and to ensuring its continuous improvement.

He therefore called on judges, staff, lawyers, member states, litigants, and partners to fully embrace this new platform and help strengthen justice in the ECOWAS sub-region.

Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the court’s chief registrar, in an address of welcome, described the ECMS as a milestone and a transformational leap, more than just a technological advancement.

He explained that the initiative was about digital transformation, deepening trust in institutions, empowering citizens, and upholding the principles of justice and equity, which lie at the heart of ECOWAS.

Earlier, while reviewing the ECMS project, Marie Saine, the court’s acting deputy chief registrar, said the ECMS was a product of the court’s own strategic plan for 2026 to 2030, tagged ‘Justice 2030’.

According to her, the plan sets out three defining priorities: greater efficiency in judicial processes, stronger protection of human rights, and improved access to justice for all across the bloc.

(NAN)