By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Monday, reiterated call for a proactive, visionary and responsive Judiciary.
This call is following the rapidly evolving world with rise of technology, the complexity of governance, and the dynamic nature
of the society.
The CJN, who is also the Governor, Board of Trustee of the Institution outlined that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken bold steps to institutionalise technological transformation across the Judiciary.
Speaking at the 2025 Roundtable for the Heads of Court at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the CJN asked the heads of court to reflect deeply on their responsibilities as custodians of justice, stewards of the Constitution, and leaders of one of the most vital institutions of state.
At the event with a theme: Leading for change and building a stronger judiciary, CJN maintained that the Judiciary remains the cornerstone of democracy and the last refuge of the common man.
“Public trust is the lifeblood of the Judiciary. It must
be earned daily through conduct, competence, and the consistent demonstration of fairness,” she stated.
In her keynote address, she noted that leadership in this era must be adaptive, guided by innovation, and rooted
in integrity.
She added that the speed, accessibility, and transparency of our justice system directly
shape public confidence. Justice delayed, or perceived to be opaque,
diminishes the trust that sustains our legitimacy.
“Our institutions must remain resilient and effective, capable of meeting the demands of modern justice delivery while preserving the
timeless values of fairness, independence, and accountability.
“The progressive deployment of the Nigerian Case Management System
(NCMS), the official digital platform developed following the adoption of the Judicial Information Technology Policy (JITPO), represents a landmark achievement in our collective journey towards a more transparent and
efficient justice system. The NCMS is designed to digitize the entire spectrum of case handling, from filing to assignment and tracking, thereby facilitating seamless electronic transmission of court documents and
drastically reducing physical contact, bureaucratic delays, and loss of records. Its ongoing integration across jurisdictions underscores our
resolve to modernize court processes, enhance data integrity, and promote accountability in judicial administration.
“As Heads of Courts, we occupy a unique position of influence and trust.
The leadership we provide sets the tone for the entire judicial system. It
is not a ceremonial role but a sacred mandate that requires courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.
“The standards we uphold within our jurisdictions resonate through the courts below us and shape public
perception of the Judiciary as a whole. In essence, the strength of our judicial system is only as great as the vision, discipline, and leadership of those who guide it.
“In recent years, particularly following the global disruptions caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, it has become evident that innovation in court
administration is no longer a matter of choice but of necessity. Technology
has opened new pathways for efficient justice delivery through virtual
hearings, electronic filing, and digital case management.”
In his welcome address, the Administrator of the Institution, Justice B. A Adejumo, calls for collection among Heads of Courts and other Judicial Officers.
He posited that to navigate the evolving landscape of judicial administration effectively, it is imperative that we stay abreast of emerging trends, welcome innovation and adopt best practice that will sustain the integrity of the court.
He also said that at first among equals, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among colleagues promises synergy and optimizes production.
Concluding, Justice Adejumo, insisted that a well coordinated judicial structure is vital for enhancing service delivery, eliminating procedural bottlenecks and ensuring smooth justice administration.
