The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) is proposing the digitalisation of court processes, through electronic filing, online case management, and virtual hearings.
This was made known in a communique issued on Friday, June 14, by NBA-SLP on its just concluded annual conference held in Kano.
According to the communique, signed by the Chairman Section On Legal Practice, Boma Alabi, SAN, the legal practitioners are going to harness the transformative power of technology to modernise the justice system and improve access to justice for all Nigerians, one of which is to digitise the courts.
“Participants explored the vast potential of technology to streamline court processes and enhance efficiency. This includes the adoption of electronic filing systems, online case management platforms, virtual hearings, and other innovative tools.
“By embracing digital solutions, the judiciary can reduce costs, improve case management, and make justice more accessible to citizens, particularly those in remote areas,” she said.
To promote the adoption of technological innovations, participants resolved to invest in the necessary infrastructure and technology to support digital transformation.
Another resolution is to provide training and support to legal professionals and court staff to ensure effective use of digital tools.
Alabi, who disclosed that the conference was held successfully, said the participants also advocated measures of expediting case resolutions.
By so doing, it was resolved to set clear time frames for different types of cases, impose sanctions on lawyers who engage in frivolous adjournments and expand the use of technology to manage caseloads more efficiently.
Root causes of delay, such as inadequate funding and resources for the judiciary are also to be addressed.
Other resolutions include: “advocacy for increased investment in judicial capacity, such as funding for judicial training programmes to enhance legal knowledge and skills.
“Providing adequate research assistance to judges to enable well-informed decision-making.
“Ensuring that judges are adequately remunerated to attract and retain top legal talent.
“To develop comprehensive legal frameworks for arbitration, mediation, and other ADR mechanisms.
“Encourage the use of ADR in appropriate cases to reduce the burden on the courts and promote amicable dispute resolution.”
