CJN Calls For Tech-Savvy And Accessible Legal System

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, has called on judicial officers to build a legal system that is deeply rooted in legal heritage, tech-savvy, and accessible to every citizen. This call was made during the opening of the Hybrid National Workshop on Legal Research and Information Communication Technology in Abuja.

In his keynote address, CJN Ariwoola emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to enhance the judicial process. He stated, “I must reiterate the need not to view technology as a threat to the existing structure, but rather, as a powerful ally in our pursuit of justice. Together, let us strive to build a legal system that is not only deeply rooted in our rich legal heritage but one that is also tech-savvy and accessible to every citizen.”

The workshop, themed “Enhancing Effective Justice Delivery Through ICT,” was organized to explore how ICT can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary. Justice Salisu Garbage Abdullahi, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), delivered the welcome address, highlighting the numerous advantages of applying ICT in the judicial process.

Justice Abdullahi noted that ICT enhances transparency, ensures the prompt dispensation of justice, and provides easy access to court information. He remarked, “Ultimately, this platform will offer us the opportunity to deliberate on how legal and research assistants, registrars, and ICT officers of the judiciary can apply diverse ICT methods to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in performing their duties.”

Ariwoola also discussed the benefits of using ICT in court registries, particularly in case management and the organization and maintenance of court records. He stressed that technology should be seen as an asset in achieving justice.

The workshop is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for integrating ICT into the judicial process, ensuring that the legal system in Nigeria remains robust, efficient, and accessible to all.