By Alexander Ekemenah
Tayo Aderinokun Hall of University of Lagos could not contain the audience that had thronged the Hall to come to meet and listen to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, who had come at the instance of the Faculty of Law of University of Lagos, to deliver a special public lecture.
The audience overflowed the hall and spread to the Emporium of the hall including the reception areas.
Wednesday June 18, 2025, would therefore remain a glorious and unforgettable day for many years to come.
This is because, rarely does one see and witness Chief Justice of a country mounting the academic podium to deliver a public lecture. The main theatre of a Chief Justice remains the confines of Temple of Justice which is the Supreme Court, the highest appellate constitutional court of any country.
Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria after retired Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON, who served from July 2012 to December 2014.
Accompanying the Chief Justice of Nigeria on this academic journey to University of Lagos, her alma mater, is a retinue of high-ranking staff from the Supreme Court of Nigeria. But most important was her husband, Chief Kekere-Ekun.
At the reception end here in Lagos was the University of Lagos officialdom ably led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN including the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who fortuitously was a classmate to the Chief Justice of Nigeria in secondary school, Queens College, Lagos.
The reception party also included the academic staff and members of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, led by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN.
Not left out was the delegation of Lagos State Judiciary led by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba.
The Chairman of the Lecture is no other than revered Professor Akin Oyebode, the erudite scholar of International Law and Jurisprudence, who interestingly was a teacher to the CJN while she was a law student at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos in the 80s including many other legal luminaries and academic lights such as Professor Taiwo Osipitan SAN, Pastor Tunde Bakare, among others.
The choice of the specific academic podium to stand upon to deliver her lecture, nay message, to the wider audience is not without relevance. The academic podium creates a far-reaching echo and a conveyor belt for transporting or transmitting her message to a larger audience beyond the walls of the hall.
The topic of the lecture on this august occasion is: “Justice in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for an Efficient and Accessible Judiciary in Nigeria.”
Her choice of topic was perhaps strategically fortuitous too. What is now generally known as Legal Technology or Technology Law in a large number of Faculties of Law globally emerged from the strategic role that technology or more sensibly information and communication technology (ICT) has come to play in the growth, development or evolution of the economy and various professions including social and private life. The Judiciary is not left out in the embrace of technology as a tool for facilitating its works. Many judicial systems around the world are now struggling to catch up with the frenzied pace of technological development so as not to be left behind.
What is even more significant and poignant is also the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) including robotics in mediating and facilitating critical roles and functions hitherto carried out through tedious manual labour.
In short, the world has gone digital and the process of digitisation is ongoing in an unstoppable manner. It is either one falls in line with this fast-paced evolutionary process or be left behind or cast aside in the surging wave of current digitisation process.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun, did not fail to see the advent of technology as an opportunity for the judiciary to remain relevant in the schemes of societal development, for the judiciary to be able to cope with its ever-expanding activities. Technological-driven judiciary has become sine qua non for the legitimacy of the judicial system itself in light of increasing distrust that has become its lot or burden in recent times.
“It is in this context that the digital age presents a timely and transformative opportunity. The world is witnessing a technological revolution that is reshaping how people live, work, and engage with institutions. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, software applications, and Big Data analytics have become integral tools in improving service delivery across sectors. For the judiciary, these digital advancements offer a chance to significantly enhance efficiency, reduce delays and widen access to justice.
“Indeed, such innovations are not without their legal and ethical concerns. Questions around data protection, intellectual property, consent, reliability and regulatory oversight must be addressed with care. However, these challenges must not obscure the broader possibilities that digital tools present – possibilities that became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote hearings and electronic filings helped preserve the administration of justice in the face of unprecedented disruption”, the Honourable Chief Justice said.
Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun did not also fail to see that technological-assisted and enabled judicial workforce could only be of immense benefit to the judicial system rather than a hindrance to it. The Honourable Chief Justice said “The ability of the Nigerian judiciary to successfully adopt and implement technology will depend in large part on the strength of the national digital ecosystem. The judiciary does not operate in isolation. Its digital transformation will require collaboration with institutions, experts, and stakeholders across our society. It will also require investment in infrastructure, sustained policy support, and, crucially, the digital literacy of judges, lawyers, and court staff.
“For the judiciary to remain relevant, respected, and responsive, it must evolve. It must shed layers of inefficiency that distance it from the people, and embrace innovations that bring justice closer to the doorstep of every Nigerian. It must, in essence, become more than an arbiter – it must become bridge between law and society, between tradition and innovation, between the letter of the law and the spirit of justice. Technology offers us the tool to effectively be that bridge.”
Technological-assisted system would only reduce drudgery, delays, and oftentimes angst within the court system without compromising the ethical foundation of the court system. Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun provided the fundamental premise, nay the philosophical and moral basis, for the application of digital technology in the judicial system.
“Digital technologies, when thoughtfully deployed, can streamline procedures, improve transparency, shorten timelines, and remove geographical and economic barriers that distance Nigerians from the justice system. Indeed, digital technologies such as e-filing system, digital case management platforms, and virtual courtrooms are being rapidly adopted in Nigeria’s judicial processes for effective administration of justice. Nonetheless, the rising volume of cases in our courts has continued to slow the pace of justice delivery. Therefore, leveraging advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, blockchain for evidence tracking and automated case scheduling will enhance the capacity of our courts to decide all cases before them expeditiously. It needs to be said that the deliberate and strategic integration of such advanced technologies can streamline our judicial processes by eliminating bottlenecks and delays. This will ultimately improve accessibility for citizens and enhances the transparency and fairness of our judicial system”
Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun listed the significant developments or milestones in leveraging technologies in the Nigerian judicial system through the Judicial Information Technology Policy (recommended by the Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher (GCON)-led National Judicial Council Committee on Judicial Information Technology Policy that was subsequently adopted by the National Judicial Council in 2012) as follows:
- Remote Court Proceedings through Virtual Platforms
- Digital Recording and Transcription
- E-Filing, E-Service, and Case Management Systems (CMS)
- Websites and Online Portals
- AI in Courts
Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun also listed the opportunities and challenges thrown up in the ongoing process of digital transformation of the Nigerian judicial system.
As regards opportunities, Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun listed:
- Enhanced Access to Justice
- Increased Efficiency and Reduction in Delays
- Transparency and Accountability
- Data-Driven Justice Sector Reform
Under challenges and limitations, Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun listed:
- Digital Infrastructure Gap
- Digital Literacy and Capacity Development
- Legal and Regulatory Ambiguities
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection Privacy
Towards building an inclusive, secure and sustainable digital judiciary, Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun said: “A judiciary powered by technology must be one that leaves no one behind. While digital tools can widen access to justice, they can also deepen inequalities if not implemented thoughtfully. For a rural dweller who neither owns a smartphone nor reads in English, access to justice must not depend solely on connectivity or literacy. Similarly, for persons with disabilities, the aged, or those in underserved communities, technological solutions must be tailored to enhance rather than obstruct their access to the courts. This requires investments in multilingual platforms, assistive technologies, public education, and offline interface that work in tandem with online systems.
“Trust is the bedrock of justice. Citizens must trust that digital systems are secure, that their data is protected, that proceedings are transparent, and that outcomes are fair. This demands robust cybersecurity protocols, clear rules of digital evidence, ethical use of AI, and full respect for constitutional guarantees, particularly the right to a public hearing. As we move from paper to platform, the protection of civil liberties must remain sacrosanct. To this end, the judiciary must continue to collaborate with the Academia, the Bar, the legislature, and civil society in developing standards for digital rights and data protection in the justice sector.
“The digital transformation of our courts cannot be a one-off event. It must be built to last – with adequate funding, institutional ownership, trained personnel, and routine maintenance. This entails not only equipping courtrooms, but also embedding technology in the DNA of our judicial institutions. Judges must be equipped not only with knowledge of the law but also digital fluency. Court registrars and support staff must be trained to operate and troubleshoot digital systems. The curriculum at the Nigerian Law School must be revised to prepare the next generation of legal professionals for a hybrid legal environment – one that fuses tradition with innovation.”
Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun also identified the role of stakeholders in driving judicial digitisation.
- Judicial Officers and Court Staff must embrace a culture of innovation and be open to ongoing professional development
- Legal Practitioners must integrate digital advocacy tools into their practice and comply with digital filing and hearing protocols
- Legislators must amend procedural laws and provide adequate budgetary allocations to support digital infrastructure.
- The Executive and Development Partners must collaborate with the judiciary in providing logistics, funding and technical assistance, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
- Technology Companies and Legal Tech Startups must offer tailor-made, secure, and affordable solutions designed with the unique realities of the Nigerian justice system in mind.
- The Academic and Civil Society must continue to engage in critical though leadership, policy development, and monitoring of digital implementation.
Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun further advocates that “We must also learn from other jurisdictions – adapting global best practices to our local realities. In this regard, the NJC, under my leadership, is committed to working with State Judiciaries and other stakeholders to standardize digital protocols, harmonize technology platforms and ensure interoperability across jurisdictions. This will reduce fragmentation and promote a cohesive national approach to our digitization.”
Legitimacy
Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that the “judiciary’s legitimacy rests not merely on legal authority, but also on public confidence. When citizens see that their cases are heard promptly, that their filings are acknowledged, that they can follow proceedings remotely, and that court records are accurate and accessible, they are more likely to trust the process. When justice is seen to be delivered efficiently and transparently, it reaffirms the judiciary’s place as a stabilizing force in society. Even so, public confidence is not built overnight. It requires continuous engagement, responsiveness to criticism, and a genuine commitment to reform. As we deploy technology, we must continue to listen – to litigants, to lawyers, to scholars, and to everyday Nigerians. Technology must never become a barrier to justice. Rather, it must be a bridge – connecting the courts to the people in ways that are humane, dignified, and effective. As custodian of justice, we must accept that the expectations of Nigerians are rising and rightly so. They demand justice that is not only fit but timely. A system that is not only lawful but humane.”
Vision and Mission
“The judiciary we envision”, said Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun, “is one where justice is no longer confined to the four walls of a courtroom, where litigants can file a suit, monitor progress, attend hearings, and receive decisions without geographical or logistical hindrance. It is a judiciary where case allocation is smart and transparent, where records are digital and searchable, and where judge is empowered with tools to do justice efficiently and fairly.
“My vision is for a judiciary that upholds its sacred mandate with dignity, but also evolve with the demands of a rapidly changing society. A judiciary that is not left behind by the digital wave sweeping across sectors, but one that leads by example in using technology to serve the people better.
“The digital age offers the Nigerian judiciary an unprecedented opportunity to redefine its service to the people. It is an opportunity to shift from a manual, paper-based model to a smart, citizen-centric system, one that honours the Constitution, upholds the rule of law and reflects the lived realities of Nigerians in all their diversity.
“To achieve this vision, we must be deliberate. We must invest not just in hardware and software, but also in people, in policy, and in partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that every courtroom is empowered to deliver justice – not only efficiently, but equitably. Most importantly, we must never lose sight of the human dimension. Justice is not a file, a date, or a ruling. It is the lived experience of a citizen who feels seen, heard and respected.
“As the Chief Justice of Nigeria, I pledge to continue to work with all stakeholders – within and beyond the judiciary – to ensure that our courts are not left behind in the digital revolution. Indeed, we shall lead from the front, building a judiciary that is not only fit for the future, but worthy of the trust and aspirations of every Nigerians.”
- Alex Ekemenah is the Chief Analyst of NextMoney and can be reached via 08168975679 or alexekemenah@gmail.com
