*Pushes For Digital Transformation In Nigeria’s Judicial System To Improve Access To Justice
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The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has outlined the association’s ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism, ethics, and efficiency within the legal profession and judiciary. Speaking during a media interaction with Channels Tv, Osigwe unveiled several initiatives aimed at addressing ethical concerns, promoting digital transformation, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
Osigwe announced that the NBA is developing a comprehensive social media policy for lawyers to provide clear guidelines on ethical online conduct. He emphasized the need to balance freedom of expression with the responsibilities of being a legal practitioner.
“We are deeply concerned about how the misuse of social media can tarnish the image of our profession. This policy will guide lawyers on maintaining professionalism and ethical standards in the digital age,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA President also highlighted the association’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance judicial processes. Plans include introducing electronic filing systems, real-time access to judgments, virtual hearings, and digital platforms for real-time notifications about court schedules.
“These reforms aim to streamline legal proceedings, reduce costs, and improve access to justice. Collaboration with the judiciary and government agencies is key to ensuring seamless implementation,” Osigwe noted.
Osigwe addressed public concerns about unethical practices within the legal profession. He acknowledged inefficiencies in disciplining errant lawyers and proposed decentralizing the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to expedite case resolution.
“Discipline must be swift, visible, and effective. Without it, public trust in lawyers and the judiciary will erode. We support efforts to amend laws governing lawyer discipline to enhance efficiency,” he said.
On financial crimes, Osigwe stressed the NBA’s collaboration with institutions like the EFCC and the Financial Intelligence Unit to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list.
Also, the NBA President called for comprehensive judicial reforms to address systemic issues undermining public confidence. He criticized the judicialization of political processes and advocated for a return to a pre-1979 framework where internal political party disputes, such as candidate selection, were deemed non-justiciable.
“The judiciary should not be burdened with resolving internal political party disputes. These matters distract from the courts’ primary functions and should be handled internally by parties,” Osigwe said.
He also raised concerns about frivolous cases filed by lawyers, which he argued erode judicial credibility. “Lawyers must prioritize the integrity of the justice system by avoiding actions that undermine its credibility,” he urged.
Osigwe advocated for a redefinition of the Supreme Court’s role, suggesting it should focus on constitutional and policy-driven matters rather than routine appeals.
“Our judiciary is overburdened with appeals that belong in lower courts. Limiting unnecessary litigation will streamline the appellate process and enhance the judiciary’s efficiency,” he asserted.
Osigwe expressed optimism about the judiciary’s ability to enforce laws impartially, including cases involving high-profile individuals or even a sitting president. He emphasized the NBA’s commitment to fostering a legal system that prioritizes justice, fairness, and accountability.
“With these reforms, we aim to rebuild public trust in the judiciary and ensure justice is accessible, efficient, and impartial,” he concluded.
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