Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – Ekiti State is embarking on a significant overhaul of its judicial system with the rollout of a fully digital case management platform, the Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS). The initiative, launched , aims to allow judges to work remotely and streamline case filing and management for legal professionals across the state.
The NCMS is designed to move Nigeria’s largely paper-based judicial system into the digital era, improving efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. The system will automate court processes, enabling judges to access case files, review evidence, and deliver rulings remotely, reducing the need for physical presence in court for the duration of cases. This move reflects a broader trend towards digitalization within the Nigerian judiciary, as evidenced by similar initiatives in Lagos State, which fully digitalized its processes in .
Hon. Justice Kashim Zanna, Chief Judge of Borno State and Chairman of the Judicial Information Technology Policy Committee of Nigeria, unveiled the NCMS during a roundtable discussion in Ado-Ekiti. He explained that the NCMS is an initiative of the National Judicial Council, implemented through the Judicial Information Technology Policy Committee, to streamline and automate court processes. Justice Zanna emphasized that the current paper-driven system is no longer adequate for effective justice delivery, stating that the judiciary must adapt to the digital advancements seen in other sectors.
Ekiti State has already invested in the necessary infrastructure for the rollout, procuring hardware and completing staff training. According to Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, Chief Judge of Ekiti State, the judiciary has established a data centre, laid local area networks, and provided computer systems to judges and court staff. A number of ICT personnel received advanced training at the National Judicial Council in Abuja, demonstrating a commitment to building internal capacity.
The implementation extends beyond the core case management system. The state is also updating court rules to legally accommodate electronic filing and introducing complementary services, including e-affidavits provided by Cinfores Limited, with e-probate services planned for future implementation. These additions are crucial, as a case management system requires supporting tools to cover the entire lifecycle of a case.
Justice Ogunmoye stressed the importance of broad stakeholder buy-in, including judges, lawyers, court staff, the Bar Association, and even the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service. He highlighted the need for ongoing training and sensitization to address concerns and build confidence in the new system. This approach acknowledges that successful implementation requires not only technological infrastructure but also cultural adaptation and user acceptance.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State, Dayo Apata (SAN), framed the NCMS as aligning with the National Judicial Council’s mandate to ensure effective administration of justice. He underscored the system’s ability to manage cases electronically from filing to final disposition, reduce reliance on manual processes, and provide better judicial data, ultimately leading to increased accountability and clearer records.
The anticipated benefits of the NCMS include shorter delays, automated reminders to keep cases moving, searchable digital records, and analytical reports to identify bottlenecks in the judicial process. For litigants, this could translate into more predictable timelines and reduced time wasted in court appearances. However, officials acknowledge that the transition will not be without challenges.
Potential hurdles include ensuring the reliability of the technology, providing adequate user training, adapting court rules, and addressing potential connectivity issues and system outages. Justice Zanna urged lawyers to upgrade their skills and acquire basic technology, such as laptops and case-management tools, recognizing that digital proficiency will become increasingly essential for legal practice. He noted that filing from any location, remote case review by judges, and even online proceedings represent a significant shift in the traditional rhythm of legal work.
The success of the NCMS in Ekiti State will depend on sustained training, responsive technical support, and a willingness to adapt processes as problems emerge. Key indicators to watch include the smoothness of the e-filing rollout and the level of lawyer participation, the timely updating of court rules to reflect electronic processes, the consistency of internet and power supply across court locations, and the establishment of a robust feedback loop for users to report issues and receive prompt resolutions.
The move by Ekiti State reflects a growing recognition that modernization is essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system. As societal expectations for faster and more efficient services increase across various sectors, the judiciary is under pressure to keep pace. While the urgency for change is understandable, officials emphasize the importance of addressing operational realities and ensuring a realistic and sustainable implementation process. The state’s approach, characterized by realism, stakeholder engagement, and external expertise, suggests a cautious optimism that this digital transformation can deliver meaningful improvements to the administration of justice in Ekiti State and potentially serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria.
