Lagos CJ Signs New Practice Direction: Okays Electronic Filing And Service Of Court Process

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honorable Justice Kazeem .O. Alogba, has signed a new Practice Direction.

The said Practice Direction is to take effect from the 4th of May, 2020.

The 26 Paragraphs Practice Direction which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL) is meant to ensure:

(i) timely and efficient disposal of cases;
(ii) use of suitable technology;
(iii) just determination of the proceedings; and
(iv) efficient use of available judicial and administrative resources.

TNL recalls that the draft was earlier made available in the public domain.

Matters can now be filed electronically and assessed fees to be paid may be communicated to counsel through email, WhatsApp, or text message.

By paragraph 11 of the Practice Direction, service of Court processes may be effected by email, WhatsApp or as otherwise directed by the Court notwithstanding the provisions of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009.

Paragraph 16 says “Remote Hearings shall be by Zoom, Skype for business or any other video communication method approved by the Chief Judge.”