The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has canvassed for technological and judicial automation of court systems in the country to enhance justice delivery to the aggrieved citizens.
The CJN pointed out that courts are the heartbeat of the justice system and that where administration is weak, justice would be delayed and where accountability is absent, public confidence would be eroded.
She therefore challenged the Chief Registrars of Courts in the country to give deliberate attention to technological automation of Nigeria’s court system.
“Chief Registrars serve as the administrative anchors of the courts. You are custodians of records, stewards of resources, and the critical interface between the Bench, court users, and the public.
“Your role lies at the intersection of law, administration, and policy, requiring discretion, competence, innovation, and unwavering fidelity to the values of justice. The efficiency of our courts is, in no small measure, a reflection of your leadership,” she said.
The CJN explained that modern court administration must embrace digital tools that enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice, while remaining firmly anchored in due process and data integrity.
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2026 Strategic Retreat by the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria attended by the Court Chief Registrars in the country.
The CJN said that the theme of the Retreat ‘Strengthening Court Administration, Financial Accountability and Staff Wellbeing for a More Effective Judiciary in Nigeria’ was both timely and compelling.
According to her, the theme spoke directly to the institutional realities confronting Nigeria’s courts and to the expectations of a society that looks to the judiciary as the final guardian of justice.
“Our courts are the heartbeat of the justice system. Where administration is weak, justice is delayed; where accountability is absent, public confidence erodes; and where the wellbeing of judicial staff is neglected, institutional effectiveness is compromised.
“Court administration, therefore, is not a peripheral function; it is governance in action. It determines how justice is accessed, delivered, and perceived.
“Transparency and prudence in the management of judicial resources are indispensable to the independence and credibility of the Judiciary.
“Financial accountability is not merely a statutory obligation; it is a moral imperative that reinforces public trust and safeguards institutional autonomy. In this regard, Chief Registrars occupy a position of profound responsibility.
“Equally important is the recognition that the strength of the Judiciary lies in its people. A resilient judicial system is built on motivated, well-trained, and adequately supported personnel.
“Staff wellbeing, encompassing welfare, capacity development, and a dignified work environment, is central to sustaining professionalism, integrity, and service excellence.
“This Retreat provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen professional capacity, exchange best practices, and chart a forward-looking agenda for court administration. It is a forum to anticipate change, adapt strategically, and reinforce institutional resilience, particularly in an era defined by rising caseloads, evolving public expectations, and rapid technological advancement,” the CJN said.
In his address, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr Kabir Eniola Akanbi
thanked the CJN for giving approval to the resuscitation of the Committee.
With the revival of the committee, Akanbi assured that the Chief Registrars would establish administrative practices that would promote fairness, efficiency and national uniformity among others, to ensure enhanced justice delivery system.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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