Johny Azu
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday cautioned judicial officers, court personnel and legal practitioners against abusing the integrity of emerging digital technologies introduced to enhance judicial efficiency, insisting that technology can only deliver justice when backed by professionalism and ethical conduct.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS) Policy at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, the CJN said the success of the judiciary’s digital transformation would ultimately depend on the integrity of those entrusted with operating the new systems.
“I must emphasise that technological innovation cannot succeed in the absence of professional integrity. The administration of justice depends fundamentally upon the honesty, ethical conduct and professionalism of all stakeholders, including judicial officers, court personnel and members of the legal profession,” the CJN said.
She added:
“The transition from a paper-based system to a digital environment does not diminish these obligations; rather, it heightens them. Technology is only as reliable as those entrusted with its use.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun described the launch of the NCMS as a landmark in the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to modernise court processes, improve institutional efficiency and align Nigeria’s judicial administration with global best practices.
According to her, the digital platform is expected to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in the administration of justice while strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.
She said the initiative would also advance the constitutional mandate of ensuring the fair, impartial and timely dispensation of justice.
“The administration of justice in the twenty-first century demands more than the faithful application of legal principles. It requires judicial institutions that are efficient, accessible, transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of court users,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that courts across the world are increasingly leveraging technology to improve case management, expand access to justice, preserve institutional records and accelerate dispute resolution, stressing that Nigeria’s judiciary must not be left behind.
“Across the world, courts are increasingly embracing technology as a critical tool for improving case management, enhancing access to justice, preserving institutional records and ensuring the timely resolution of disputes. The judiciary in Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of this global transformation,” she added.
The CJN explained that the implementation of the NCMS, alongside the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026, represents a major step towards achieving a fully digitised Supreme Court Registry and a technology-driven judicial system.
She disclosed that the implementation would be carried out in phases to ensure a smooth transition for judges, lawyers and court officials.
“This phased approach has been deliberately adopted to enable the court, members of the bar and registry personnel to adapt progressively to the new platform while allowing continuous monitoring, evaluation and refinement throughout the implementation process. It is intended to ensure that the transition to a digital environment is orderly, efficient and responsive to practical experience gained at each stage.
“The second phase will involve the electronic filing of processes, which will ultimately transform the manner in which appeals and applications are initiated and managed before the Supreme Court.”
In his remarks, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, said the court had already embraced digital platforms for the registration of Notaries Public and applications for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to technological innovation.
He added that the new case management platform and its features would be accessible to all stakeholders through the Supreme Court’s website.
Chairman of the NCMS Policy Implementation Committee and Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zanna, described the unveiling as a watershed moment for the Nigerian judiciary.
He said the platform would provide a unified digital case management system capable of enhancing justice delivery across all levels of courts in the country.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), urged legal practitioners to embrace technological innovation, noting that the association had already introduced a digital stamp to facilitate the electronic filing of court processes.
The Nigeria Case Management System is part of broader judicial reforms aimed at modernising court administration, improving service delivery and promoting faster, more transparent and technology-driven justice across the country.