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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says ongoing reforms in the judiciary require the support and cooperation of lawyers to succeed and deliver a meaningful impact on the justice system.
She stressed that the success of judicial reforms hinges on sustained partnership between the Bench and the Bar, noting that both share a common responsibility in promoting efficient justice administration and the rule of law.
The CJN spoke while receiving a farewell delegation from the outgoing leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at her office in the Supreme Court complex.
According to a statement issued Sunday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN commended the outgoing NBA leadership for its cordial relationship and constructive engagement with the judiciary during its tenure, and specifically thanked the association for its support for the newly inaugurated Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) at the Supreme Court.
She assured the delegation that the apex court remains committed to continually improving the electronic filing platform based on the practical experiences of court users.
NBA President and delegation leader, Afam Osigwe (SAN), pledged the Bar’s support for the successful rollout 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.
He described the electronic filing system as a significant milestone in modernising justice administration and assured the CJN of the Bar’s readiness to work collaboratively with the court on its implementation.
However, Osigwe raised concerns about certain provisions of the new Practice Directions and requested that comprehensive user manuals and training materials be made available to help the NBA leadership properly sensitise and train lawyers on the system’s operation.
Responding, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, assured the delegation that the Practice Directions were carefully designed to facilitate not hinder legal practice before the court. He explained that the electronic filing system incorporates safeguards to protect the interests of litigants and practitioners while boosting the court’s efficiency.
Akanbi disclosed that user manuals and training materials had already been prepared to guide practitioners on the platform, and asked the NBA to nominate representatives to work with Supreme Court officials during the implementation phase to ensure a seamless transition.
The Chief Justice had unveiled the new electronic filing system last week, describing it as a groundbreaking innovation poised to transform legal practice in the country.
