Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned that the public’s trust in the judiciary is at risk due to delays in the execution of court cases. Speaking at the third annual National Judicial Council (NJC) conference on judges’ performance evaluation in Abuja on Tuesday, she expressed deep concern over the growing backlog of unresolved cases in Nigeria’s courts.
Kekere-Ekun highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that by the first quarter of 2024, a staggering 243,253 cases were still pending in superior courts, not including the Supreme Court. This backlog includes 199,747 civil suits and 43,506 criminal cases. The CJN pointed out that many judges had delivered only a few or no judgments in an entire quarter, a situation she described as “simply unacceptable.”
The CJN stressed that delays in judicial proceedings erode public confidence in the judiciary, warning that if action is not taken, it could undermine the integrity of the legal system.
“The slow pace of case disposal is deeply worrying, and it is essential to address this issue if we are to maintain the trust of the Nigerian people,” she said.
To improve judicial efficiency and reduce the backlog, Kekere-Ekun advocated for the adoption of modern technologies and innovative case management systems. She urged the use of digital tools such as e-filing, virtual courtrooms, and comprehensive digital case management systems to streamline processes and enhance judges’ performance.
“My Lords, ladies and gentlemen, we cannot wish away the growing backlog of cases or expect a different result when we continue to do things the same way,” she stated. She further emphasized that the judiciary must embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and arbitration, to ease the courts’ workload and resolve cases more swiftly.
The CJN reiterated that “delayed justice is denied justice,” and timely resolutions are essential for the public to retain faith in the judicial system. She urged judicial officers to take full advantage of digital tools and modern practices to ensure more effective and timely delivery of justice.
Kekere-Ekun’s call to action underscores the need for immediate reforms within the judiciary to ensure that the Nigerian legal system remains efficient, credible, and fair for all citizens.
