At the Special Court Session for the 2024/2025 Justices Annual Conference of the Court of Appeal, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), highlighted the critical need for reforms to bolster Nigeria’s justice system.
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Speaking on the theme of “Judicial Introspection,” Osigwe acknowledged the judiciary’s achievements over the past year while emphasizing the challenges that lie ahead.
Osigwe pointed to several factors contributing to a weakened justice system, including executive interference in judicial independence, denigration of the judiciary by officials and the public, slow trial processes, inconsistent court decisions, and subpar appointments to the bench. He stressed the paramount importance of an independent judiciary free from political manipulation to ensure fair and competent adjudication of cases.
The NBA President called upon both the bar and bench to uphold the highest standards of integrity, knowledge, and fearlessness in discharging their duties. He condemned the misuse of appellate processes by some lawyers merely to meet requirements for Senior Advocate of Nigeria applications, urging courts to impose costs to deter such practices.
Osigwe strongly advocated for the integration of technology into judicial processes to address delays and inefficiencies. He commended the Court of Appeal’s progress in adopting virtual hearings and e-filing but emphasized the need for a fully automated judiciary with robust case management systems to ensure swift, transparent justice delivery accessible to all.
Addressing the recent closure of Court of Appeal divisions in the Southeast due to security concerns, Osigwe called upon the region’s governors to assert state authority and guarantee the safety of judicial officers. He urged the judiciary to explore alternatives such as temporary relocation, virtual hearings, or mobile courts to ensure the uninterrupted administration of justice.
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