NBA President Challenges Judiciary To Lead With Integrity At The 2024/2025 Federal High Court Opening Of Legal Year
In a landmark speech delivered on the 2nd of December, 2024 at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the Federal High Court, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, emphasized the vital role of the judiciary in upholding justice, fairness, and accountability. He urged the judiciary to seize this new legal year as a moment for reflection, renewal, and reform.
Osigwe highlighted the importance of ensuring justice remains accessible, swift, and impartial, noting that public perception of the judiciary’s effectiveness often diverges from reality. He called on stakeholders to bridge the gap between public expectations and the judiciary’s performance through greater transparency and accountability.
Addressing concerns over delays in justice delivery, Osigwe pointed to inefficiencies in case management, manual operations, and the Remita payment system, urging the court to adopt technology-driven solutions. He advocated for the implementation of an efficient e-filing system and proposed the imposition of deterrent costs on lawyers who deliberately delay cases.
He also condemned forum shopping and emphasized the need for the judiciary to maintain jurisdictional integrity, particularly urging the Federal High Court to adhere strictly to its constitutional mandate. Osigwe reiterated the need for improved judicial infrastructure, advocating for the completion of the Federal High Court building in Lagos and enhanced remuneration for judicial officers and law workers.
Osigwe expressed concern over the frequent reassignment of judges, which he argued undermines judicial efficiency and stability. He recommended that judges remain in their postings for a minimum of three years to enhance their effectiveness and ensure consistency in justice delivery.
In closing, Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to partnering with the judiciary to uphold the rule of law, maintain ethical standards, and protect the rights of all Nigerians. He extended his best wishes for a successful legal year, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the Bar and Bench to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system.
Find details of the speech here:
