The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has unveiled major reforms aimed at modernising the Supreme Court and improving the speed, efficiency and transparency of justice delivery in the country.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Law Week 2026, on Monday, she announced that the Supreme Court will introduce a National Case Management System (NCMS) to digitally track cases from filing to judgment, in a bid to reduce delays and improve court administration.
Justice Kekere-Ekun explained that the system will enhance case tracking, strengthen registry operations, and give justices quicker access to court documents, ultimately speeding up appeal determinations.
She also disclosed plans for new Practice Directions that will require lawyers to upload electronic copies of court processes and records alongside traditional paper filings, further advancing the judiciary’s digital transition.
The CJN stressed that the reforms are designed to modernise court processes while preserving constitutional values and judicial independence, noting that technology should support judicial work rather than replace human judgment.
She added that while artificial intelligence may assist legal research and case management, final judicial decisions must remain the responsibility of human judges who are accountable under the law.
Justice Kekere-Ekun called on lawyers, lawmakers, judges, academics, and technology experts to collaborate in building a digital justice system that reflects Nigeria’s legal and constitutional framework.
She said the reforms aimed to improve public confidence in the judiciary by making justice delivery faster, more transparent, and more accessible.
