The judiciary is under intense scrutiny over delays, systemic inefficiency, and corruption, Federal High Court Chief Judge, John Tsoho, said yesterday, noting that inefficiency creates fertile ground for unethical practices.
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Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu State, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall!”, Justice Tsoho acknowledged that judges are overworked and called for measures to decongest court dockets. He recommended the introduction of specialised tribunals to handle certain disputes, limiting the burden on traditional courts.
“I am not saying that tribunals should take the work of judges,” he clarified. “But what I am saying is that the tribunal model a specialised or quasi-judicial forum for resolving specific types of disputes should be considered. Most judges are overburdened, so they are quick to adjourn cases on the slightest mistake by counsel.”
Justice Tsoho suggested tribunals could cover areas such as immigration, intellectual property, and environmental issues, citing similar models in other countries. He stressed that inefficiency remains the “greatest sponsor of corruption,” recalling a previously corrupt affidavit system in Abuja that was addressed through digital infrastructure.
“Justice is on trial for multiple reasons, including delays, systemic inefficiency, corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistent judgments,” he said. The Chief Judge emphasised the urgent need for judicial digitalisation, warning that lawyers and judicial officers who fail to embrace technology risk being left behind. “Reform is not an option. It is imperative. Let us move from tradition to transformation. Justice must be swift, just, and serve,” he added.
Speaking at the same session, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) highlighted the need to reduce the number of matters reaching the Supreme Court. “The Supreme Court should be a policy court. Cases on tenancy or minor theft should not get there,” he said.
Osigwe also addressed shortcomings in Nigeria’s pro-bono system, noting that some lawyers abandon cases after attaining the rank of Senior Advocate. He proposed the establishment of a pro-bono support fund and directed all NBA branches to set up pro-bono desks, to be overseen by young lawyers and volunteer senior lawyers. The committee will be chaired by Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN).
The NBA President further criticised overly stringent bail conditions imposed by some judges, which he said contribute to congested custodial centres. “Insisting that a surety must show evidence of land ownership or verified titles is unnecessary. Sometimes, suspects remain locked up even after meeting bail conditions. Verification can be done through BVN or NIN,” he said.
He also condemned corruption at court registries, where officials allegedly demand bribes to process bail. Osigwe stressed that judicial officers must resist becoming instruments for complainants or prosecutorial agencies, adding, “We must dedicate ourselves to helping those in society who cannot help themselves.”
Both Justice Tsoho and NBA President Osigwe underscored that systemic reform, digitalisation, and institutional checks are critical to restoring public confidence in the judiciary. Specialised tribunals, reduction of unnecessary appeals, technology adoption, and pro-bono reforms were highlighted as key steps toward a more efficient, accountable, and accessible justice system in Nigeria.
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