Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, announced on Wednesday that the Supreme Court is conducting a thorough audit of all pending appeals and internal registry records. This move aims to bolster institutional integrity, detect irregularities, and apply corrective measures as needed.
This announcement coincided with the court shifting to a fully digital framework. The transition includes the mandatory electronic filing of court documents, the rollout of the Practice Directions 2026, and the adoption of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS). Justice Kekere-Ekun described this shift as a vital effort to build a more sustainable and efficient judicial infrastructure capable of meeting modern demands.
The digitized system is expected to streamline case management and eliminate administrative hurdles, ensuring that justice is delivered with greater speed and transparency. The Chief Justice emphasized that the success of these technological advancements depends heavily on the professional ethics of legal practitioners. She issued a stern warning against the submission of forged or unauthorized documents, stating that any such misconduct will face severe disciplinary and legal consequences.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, expressed the support of the legal community for this digital transition. Additionally, Justice Kashim Zannah, head of the Judicial Information Technology Policy Committee, noted that the NCMS allows for the seamless transfer of case records across all court levels, significantly reducing delays caused by traditional paper-based methods.
Implementation will occur in phases to ensure minimal disruption. The first phase requires the electronic upload of records for appeals scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026. Subsequent phases will expand the system to cover all stages of case initiation and management, providing a framework for long-term judicial modernization.
