Kekere-Ekun, Fagbemi, and Fashola Call for Reforms to Enhance Court Operations

Prominent figures in the justice sector have called for comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of court administration in Nigeria.

Among the key stakeholders were the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, along with former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola. They shared these insights during the 2026 Strategic Retreat of the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The theme of the retreat was, "Strengthening Court Administration, Financial Accountability and Staff Well-Being for a More Effective Judiciary in Nigeria."

At the event, the CJN highlighted that court administration represents "governance in action," pointing out that ineffective management can lead to justice delays, diminished public trust, and reduced effectiveness of institutions.

Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the credibility of the judiciary hinges not only on fair judgments but also on transparent systems, responsible financial management, and the welfare of judicial personnel.

"Our courts form the core of the justice system. When accountability is lacking, public trust diminishes; similarly, when the welfare of judicial staff is overlooked, the efficiency of the institution is hindered," she noted.

Stressing that financial accountability is both a legal and moral duty essential for maintaining judicial independence, Kekere-Ekun remarked on the critical role of Chief Registrars as caretakers of records and managers of judicial resources.

During the retreat, the CJN urged for an increased integration of technology, advocating for digital tools and judicial automation to enhance efficiency and transparency while improving access to justice. She stated that with proper implementation, technology should not be perceived as a disruptive force but as a facilitator of exceptional judicial practices.

Chairing the retreat, Lateef Fagbemi commented that the meeting was timely, reflecting a crucial phase in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, where citizens are demanding quicker justice, enhanced accountability, and modern governance.

Fagbemi referred to Chief Registrars as the "institutional backbone" of the judiciary, emphasizing their role as the initial point of contact for court users and their significant influence on public perception of the justice system.

"When the registry fails in its function, the administration of justice is inevitably compromised," he stated, stressing that registrars bridge the gap between constitutional principles and the on-the-ground experiences of Nigerians seeking justice.

The AGF highlighted the importance of ongoing professional development, pointing out the rapid changes in court administration brought about by electronic filing, digital case management, financial technology, and data security. He warned that failure to adapt could lead to professional obsolescence.

Additionally, the AGF advocated for expanded procedural authority for Nigerian registrars, drawing comparisons with other common law jurisdictions where registrars manage certain procedural decisions to alleviate judges’ burdens and expedite justice delivery.

"In other common law jurisdictions, registrars have been granted significant procedural powers to hasten the justice process. For example, in the UK, registrars can reject non-compliant documents and make procedural decisions on deadlines without the need for oral hearings. In Canada, registrars are allowed to extend deadlines and excuse procedural non-compliance, while in the US, court clerks can issue default judgments in uncontested cases."

He called for an examination of whether Nigerian registrars could be vested with similar authority to decisively address procedural issues, thereby allowing judges to concentrate on substantive legal matters.

Similarly, keynote speaker and former works minister, Babatunde Fashola, urged a thorough "overhaul" of the Supreme Court Act. He argued that the existing law fails to address delegated judicial powers, lacks a clear accountability framework, and does not include provisions for digital registries or case management responsibilities.

"My Noble Lords, Distinguished Registrars, it's not unusual for our Chief Registrars and Registrars to be elevated to judges through promotion... this mechanism would facilitate judges' work while also providing a professional grooming path for future judicial appointments," he stated.

While advocating for a systematic assessment of the financial costs associated with judicial time and the registrars' roles in measuring these impacts, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria lamented the protracted timeline often required for cases to move through the three tiers of the Nigerian judiciary, an average of 15 years.

Nonetheless, Fashola called for the establishment of a supportive environment for registrars to effectively manage court operations.