The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and speed of proceedings at the Supreme Court through the deployment of digital technology.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Nigerian Bar Association Law Week 2026, Justice Kekere-Ekun revealed that the apex court will soon commence the use of a National Case Management System (NCMS) to digitally manage cases from filing through to judgment.
She said the platform is designed to enhance case tracking, improve registry administration, reduce delays, and promote greater transparency in the administration of justice.
The CJN also disclosed that the Supreme Court will officially launch the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal, and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026 on July 1, 2026.
Under the new guidelines, legal practitioners will be required to upload electronic copies of court processes and records alongside the existing paper filing system, a move expected to give justices quicker access to case documents and accelerate the determination of appeals.
“The objective is not merely to digitise existing procedures but to strengthen the administration of justice through carefully considered technological integration that remains faithful to constitutional values and judicial independence,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.
While endorsing the use of technology in the judiciary, she stressed that it should complement—not replace—the role of judges.
“Technology is an instrument of justice; it can never become its substitute,” she said.
She added that although artificial intelligence can assist judges and lawyers with legal research and case management, judicial decisions must remain the responsibility of human judges.
“The constitutional responsibility for determining rights and obligations must continue to rest with human judges who are accountable under the law for every decision they make,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun urged judges, lawyers, lawmakers, universities and technology experts to collaborate in building a digital justice system that aligns with Nigeria’s legal framework and constitutional principles.
According to her, the reforms are intended to modernise the judiciary while strengthening public confidence through faster, more transparent and accessible justice delivery.
