Nigeria’s judiciary finally embraces technology, ends manual filing of cases

In a bid to remove obstacles against quick dispensation of justice, Nigeria’s judiciary has finally embraced technology, putting an end to manual filing of cases in the country.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Tomori Kekere-Ekun, who announced the development at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, said cases at the courts will no longer be done manually and that the new electronic system will commence immediately.

The  CJN explained that the decision became imperative as courts across the world are embracing technology as a critical tool for improving case management.

Justice Kekere-Ekun unveiled the electronic platform called Nigerian Case Management System, NCMS.

Speaking at the occasion attended by stakeholders in the judiciary sector, Justice Kekere-Ekun said, “The administration of justice in the twenty-first century demands more than the faithful application of legal principles.

“It requires judicial institutions that are efficient, accessible, transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the court users.

“Across the world, courts are increasingly embracing technology as a critical tool for improving case management, enhancing access to justice, preserving institutional records and ensuring the timely resolution of disputes.

“The judiciary in Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of this global transformation.

“It is in furtherance of this vision that we gather today for the formal commencement of the implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) at the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the introduction of the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026.”

Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Barrister Kabiru Akanbi,

noted that going forward, there will be a digital registry at the apex court, while charging litigants and other court users to align with the new vision.