Supreme Court Adopts e-System, Ends Manual Case Filing

Nigeria’s judiciary has taken a major step towards digitalising the administration of justice with the adoption of electronic case filing, bringing an end to the manual filing of cases at the Supreme Court.

Naija News reports that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, announced the development on Wednesday during the official launch of the Nigerian Case Management System at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

She said the electronic platform would take immediate effect, describing it as a significant milestone in the modernisation of Nigeria’s judicial system.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the move became necessary as courts across the world increasingly rely on technology to improve efficiency, transparency and access to justice.

She explained that the administration of justice in the 21st century requires more than the application of legal principles.

“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,” she said.

According to the CJN, the judiciary cannot afford to be left behind in the global shift towards technology-driven justice delivery.

“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,” the CJN noted.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the rollout of the Nigerian Case Management System would be accompanied by the implementation of the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026.

“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,” she added.

The Chief Justice expressed confidence that the initiative would improve case management, preserve judicial records and facilitate the timely determination of cases.

Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabiru Akanbi, said the apex court would henceforth operate a digital registry as part of the reforms.

He urged litigants, legal practitioners and other court users to embrace the new system and align with the judiciary’s digital transformation agenda.

The introduction of the electronic filing platform marks one of the most significant technological reforms undertaken by Nigeria’s judiciary in recent years, with stakeholders expecting it to reduce delays, improve efficiency and enhance access to justice.