Success of judicial reforms depends on support of lawyers — CJN

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA— The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said the success of any judicial reform will depend on the support of lawyers.

Speaking after receiving a delegation from the outgoing leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the CJN stressed the need for continued partnership between the Bench and the Bar.

According to the CJN, the legal profession and the Judiciary share a common responsibility in promoting the efficient administration of justice and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the CJN, she assured the delegation that the Supreme Court remains committed to continually improving the electronic filing platform in response to the practical experiences of court users.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also expressed appreciation to the outgoing leadership of the NBA, led by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for the cordial relationship and constructive engagement maintained with the Judiciary during its tenure.

She thanked the association for its support for the recently inaugurated Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) at the Supreme Court.

In his remarks, the NBA President, Osigwe, SAN, pledged the legal profession’s support for the successful implementation of the NCMS and the recently issued Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026.

Osigwe commended the Supreme Court for introducing the electronic filing system, describing it as a significant milestone in the modernisation of the administration of justice.

He assured the CJN of the Bar’s readiness to work collaboratively with the court to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

Osigwe, however, raised concerns about certain provisions of the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026.

He requested that comprehensive user manuals and training materials be made available to enable the NBA leadership to adequately sensitize and train legal practitioners on the operation of the new system.

Responding to some issues raised by Osigwe, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, assured the delegation that the Practice Directions were carefully designed to facilitate, rather than hinder, legal practice before the Supreme Court.

Akanbi explained that the electronic filing system incorporates safeguards intended to protect the interests of litigants and legal practitioners, while enhancing the efficiency of the court’s processes.

He informed the delegation that comprehensive user manuals and training materials have already been prepared to guide legal practitioners in using the platform.

The Chief Registrar requested that the NBA nominate representatives to work closely with Supreme Court officials during the implementation phase to ensure a seamless transition to the new electronic filing regime.

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