Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice sector have urged far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening court administration, improving financial accountability, and enhancing staff wellbeing across the judiciary.
The call was made during the 2026 Strategic Retreat of the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria held in Abuja on Wednesday, themed “Strengthening Court Administration, Financial Accountability and Staff Well-Being for a More Effective Judiciary in Nigeria.”
The event brought together the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
Speaking at the retreat, CJN Kekere-Ekun described court administration as “governance in action,” stressing that weak administration leads to delayed justice, diminished public confidence, and reduced institutional effectiveness.
She noted that the judiciary’s credibility depends not only on sound judgments but also on transparent processes, prudent financial management, and the wellbeing of judicial staff.
“Our courts are the heartbeat of the justice system. Where accountability is absent, public confidence erodes; and where the wellbeing of judicial staff is neglected, institutional effectiveness is compromised,” Kekere-Ekun said.
She urged greater adoption of technology, including digital case management and judicial automation, to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to justice, emphasising that technology should be seen as an enabler rather than a disruption.
AGF Fagbemi described Chief Registrars as the “institutional backbone” of the judiciary, noting that they serve as the first point of contact for court users and influence public perception of the justice system.
He highlighted the need for continuous professional development as court administration evolves with electronic filing, financial technology, and data security.
Fagbemi also proposed that Nigerian registrars be granted expanded procedural authority, similar to their counterparts in other common law jurisdictions, to ease judges’ workloads.
He cited examples from the UK, Canada, and the U.S., where registrars and court clerks can make procedural decisions, extend time limits, and handle uncontested matters without oral hearings.
Former works minister and ex-governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, called for a complete overhaul of the Supreme Court Act, pointing out that the law is silent on delegated judicial powers, lacks a clear accountability structure, and does not provide for digital registry or case management.
He emphasised that empowering registrars not only facilitates judicial efficiency but also serves as professional grooming for potential judicial elevation.
Fashola further highlighted the lengthy timelines for cases in Nigeria, noting that it takes an average of 15 years for matters to traverse the three levels of the judiciary.
He stressed the need to evaluate the financial implications of judicial time and create an enabling environment for registrars to administer courts effectively.
The retreat ended with a consensus on the urgent need for reforms that combine technological innovation, procedural empowerment, and institutional accountability to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary and enhance public trust in the justice system.
