*Calls for Judicial Reform, Digitization, and Merit-Based Appointments as New SANs Are Conferred
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The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called on the judiciary to restore public confidence through transparency, efficiency, and fairness, while urging lawyers and judges to uphold the highest ethical standards. His address came at the special session of the Supreme Court marking the beginning of the 2025/2026 legal year and the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 57 new inductees.
In his speech, Osigwe described the opening of the legal year as a moment for reflection, renewal, and rededication to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. He emphasized the judiciary’s role as the bedrock of democracy, highlighting that its work affects the everyday lives of Nigerians.
Commending Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, Osigwe praised the structural reforms introduced since her assumption of office, including digitization of the enrolment process for new lawyers, creation of a Central Information Unit for real-time case tracking, and the publication of judicial appointment memoranda to promote transparency.
Despite these reforms, Osigwe noted that public perception of the judiciary remains negative, citing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who warned that “justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity.” He urged the courts to implement electronic filing, virtual hearings, and faster case resolution to improve access to justice, particularly for rural and marginalized communities.
Highlighting past successes, Osigwe recalled the Supreme Court’s prompt resolution of critical electoral disputes and lauded the judiciary as the “last hope of the common man.” He, however, expressed concern over delays in deciding matters of national importance, such as states of emergency, and emphasized that such delays risk undermining democracy.
On judicial appointments, Osigwe criticized the apparent preference for registrars and government officials over private practitioners, calling for reforms to ensure merit-based, transparent, and competitive selection. He proposed written tests for judicial candidates, public disclosure of results, and appointment criteria emphasizing integrity, legal knowledge, and professional ability.
The NBA President also highlighted the misuse of bail procedures as a tool for political oppression and unjust detention. He called for proper regulation of bail processes to prevent abuse, citing the prolonged delays in cases such as that of Bright Ngene in Enugu State, which have negatively impacted public confidence in the justice system.
Osigwe addressed the treatment of minors in conflict with the law, urging courts to ensure children are neither charged alongside adults nor detained in adult facilities. He also renewed calls for full digitization of courts, including electronic filing, digital recording of proceedings, efficient case management, and integration of Legal Mail as the official communication channel between courts and lawyers.
Regarding the newly appointed SANs, Osigwe congratulated them, noting that the rank carries higher responsibility, ethical obligations, and a duty to mentor younger lawyers. He reaffirmed NBA’s commitment to investigate allegations of misconduct and to ensure disciplinary action where necessary. He also advocated for broadening SAN eligibility to include academics and law teachers and for revising rules that prevent individuals facing disciplinary cases from applying for the rank.
Osigwe concluded by quoting Justice Taslim Elias: “Justice is the greatest concern of man on earth,” and stressed that the NBA remains committed to partnering with the judiciary to enhance reforms, advance digital transformation, improve access to justice, and strengthen professional discipline.
“May this new legal year mark a turning point in our collective resolve to restore public confidence in the judiciary and to build a justice system worthy of our democracy,” he said.
NBA SCN 2025 LEGAL YEAR SPEECHGod bless the Supreme Court of Nigeria! God bless the Judiciary! God bless the Nigerian Bar Association! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
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