Lagos State Judiciary Launches Virtual Court Proceedings with Fee Implementation
As of April 1, 2024, the Lagos State judiciary has commenced virtual court proceedings, accompanied by a fee of N30,000 per session across the state. This development was announced by the Acting Chief Registrar of the State judiciary, Tajudeen Elias, through a circular dated March 28, 2024.
According to the circular, all requests for virtual hearings must be submitted before the scheduled hearing of the case. Upon court approval, the fee will be paid, and the Assistant Chief Registrar on Litigation in Ikeja or Lagos will arrange the case for hearing upon receipt of payment. It was emphasized that no other office or officer is authorized to schedule cases for virtual proceedings in the courts of Lagos State.
Furthermore, it was mentioned that First Hightower Infotech Ltd. would continue to provide internet access and service for the courts where they currently offer such services. Court registrars have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the circular.
Virtual hearings gained prominence in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means of maintaining court operations while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Initially introduced free of charge, virtual hearings have now transitioned to a fee-based system to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness in aiding the justice system.
Musbau Famuyiwa, the Managing Director of Global T & T New Solutions Ltd., emphasized that the implementation of the fee would enhance the efficiency of virtual hearings, enabling the justice system to scale up its operations effectively. He clarified that participation in virtual hearings and payment of the fee are voluntary, although many have already begun utilizing the service.
Famuyiwa also revealed that virtual hearings have been extended to all magistrate courts in the state, reflecting a broader integration of technology into the judicial process to streamline proceedings and enhance accessibility.
