NBA President Champions Supreme Court Reform And Judicial Technology At SLP Conference
At the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) Annual Conference in Jos, Plateau State, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, delivered a compelling welcome address. The conference, themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” brought together legal practitioners and thought leaders to discuss emerging issues in the profession.
In his address, the NBA President acknowledged the complex and evolving landscape of legal practice, stressing the importance of embracing reforms that strengthen access to justice, improve efficiency in legal service delivery, and promote innovation within the profession.
One of the core issues he raised was the need to streamline the cases that reach the Supreme Court. Mazi Afam Osigwe noted that the apex court is currently overburdened by appeals that could have been finally determined at lower courts. He emphasized that the time has come to re-examine the country’s appellate framework and advocate for reforms that would ease the workload of the Supreme Court, allowing it to focus on constitutional and precedent-setting matters.
He also addressed the inefficiencies surrounding court filings and access to judgments. The Learned Silk questioned why, in the digital age, judgments delivered by courts are not immediately and easily available to litigants, lawyers, and the public. He called for the establishment of a robust digital infrastructure within the judiciary that would support e-filing of court processes and prompt publication of judgments. He specifically pointed to the National Industrial Court as an example of a court that has embraced digital transformation and urged other courts to follow suit.
The President advocated for a more widespread adoption of virtual court hearings, particularly in cases where physical appearances may not be necessary. He stressed that the legal profession must adapt to global best practices and technological advancements if it is to remain effective and responsive to the needs of the public.
Above all, Mazi Afam Osigwe reminded conferees that the core mission of the legal profession is to serve justice. He urged lawyers to use the opportunity of the conference to reflect on their roles as custodians of justice and to commit to practices that promote fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.
He commended the leadership of the NBA-SLP for organizing a timely and thought-provoking conference and warmly welcomed all delegates to what promises to be a rich and engaging exchange of ideas.
