Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at improving the speed, efficiency and transparency of proceedings at the Supreme Court through the introduction of digital case management tools.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Law Week 2026 on Monday, the CJN revealed that the Supreme Court will soon deploy a National Case Management System (NCMS) to manage cases electronically from filing to judgment, according to Channels Television.
She said the new system would enhance case tracking, reduce delays, strengthen court administration and improve transparency in the justice system.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also announced that the Supreme Court would unveil the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal, and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026 on July 1.
Under the new practice directions, lawyers will be required to upload electronic copies of court processes and appeal records in addition to the existing paper filing system.
According to the CJN, the reforms will strengthen registry administration, make court documents more accessible to Justices and accelerate the determination of appeals.
She stressed that the initiative goes beyond digitising existing procedures, describing it as a carefully planned effort to modernise the administration of justice while preserving constitutional values and judicial independence.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in the legal profession, stating that while AI can assist with legal research and case management, it cannot replace judges in deciding cases.
“Technology is an instrument of justice; it can never become its substitute,” she said, adding that the constitutional responsibility for determining rights and obligations must remain with human judges who are accountable under the law.
The CJN called on lawyers, judges, lawmakers, universities and technology experts to collaborate in building a digital justice system that reflects Nigeria’s legal framework and constitutional principles.
She said the reforms are expected to modernise the judiciary while boosting public confidence through faster, more transparent and accessible court services.
