Chief Justice Advocates Collaboration for Judicial Reform Success
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, has underscored the crucial role of collaboration among legal practitioners in advancing ongoing reforms within the nation’s judiciary. She emphasized that the ultimate success of these judicial reforms hinges on an enduring partnership between courts and tribunals.
Shared Responsibility Between Legal Profession and Judiciary
Justice Kekere Ekun articulated that both the legal profession and the judiciary share a fundamental responsibility in fostering the efficient administration of justice and upholding the rule of law. This observation came during a farewell visit on July 9 from the outgoing leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the Supreme Court Buildings.
Expressing Gratitude to the NBA Leadership
In a statement released by Tobi Sonny, Senior Special Assistant on Media, the Chief Justice extended her gratitude to the departing NBA leadership for maintaining a constructive and amicable relationship with the judiciary throughout her tenure. She specifically acknowledged the association’s support for the recently launched Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS) at the Supreme Court.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Justice Kekere Ekun reassured the delegation that the Supreme Court is dedicated to enhancing the e-filing platform in alignment with the practical experiences of court users. This commitment is aimed not only at improving operational efficiency but also at ensuring a user-friendly experience for legal practitioners.
NBA Leadership Commits to Support New Initiatives
NBA President and leader of the delegation, Afam Osigwe (SAN), affirmed the legal community’s support for the successful implementation of the NCMS and the Supreme Court’s newly released Practice Direction 2026, which mandates the electronic submission of certain legal documents. Osigwe praised the introduction of the e-filing system as a pivotal step toward modernizing judicial administration.
Concerns Addressed Regarding Practice Direction
While expressing support, Osigwe also voiced concerns regarding specific provisions within the Supreme Court’s 2026 Practice Direction. He urged the need for comprehensive user manuals and training materials to be provided to NBA leaders, ensuring that legal practitioners are properly educated in utilizing the new electronic system.
Assurance of Comprehensive Support
In response to Osigwe’s concerns, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Kabir Akanbi, assured the delegates that the new practice instructions were designed with facilitation in mind, not as barriers to legal practice. He elaborated that the e-filing system incorporates necessary safeguards to protect the interests of both litigants and legal practitioners, enhancing the efficacy of court processes.
Mr. Akanbi also indicated that comprehensive training materials have been developed to assist legal practitioners in familiarizing themselves with the platform. Additionally, he urged the NBA to appoint a representative to collaborate closely with Supreme Court staff during the implementation phase, ensuring a smooth transition to the new e-filing system.
Recently, the Chief Justice announced a groundbreaking innovation expected to transform legal practice in Nigeria, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to modernization and efficiency.
