The Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Tunji Ishola, has stressed the need for a shift from analogue to digital methods in order to expedite the dispensation of justice in the country.
Ambassador Ishola made this observation in his opening speech entitled “Century Adjudication And The Place Of The Federal High Court In The Integrity Of Conventional And Virtual Economy” at the training of the Federal High Court Judges in London.
The training was attended by Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho OFR; Justice Gladys Olotu, and MD Asset Management Company of Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Kuru.
He emphasised the importance of the judicial sector embracing modern technology in the dispensation of justice.
According to him, “There is a need for the Court to embrace technology in justice delivery. E-filing of court processes and online services should be encouraged. Moreover, the Court should take advantage of video conferencing apps or develop custom software for virtual sittings.
This will eliminate unnecessary adjournments due to the absence of witnesses. In addition, smart court recorders will lessen the burden of judges who have to take proceedings in longhand.
The world is a more technologically advanced arena, and the Court should not be left out, especially as businesses are increasing. The Court has convened this Conference in London for the purpose of discussing the adoption of digital methods.”
“An effective justice system ensures contract enforcement, which is the basis of market transactions. A well-functioning judicial system is indispensable to business activities and to society as a whole. Hence, judicial efficiency is measured by trial length.”
Judicial efficiency is closely associated with accessibility to judicial services, and the certainty of an efficient judicial system raises people’s confidence.
Certainly, one of the factors that discourage investment, particularly foreign investment, in developing countries is the absence of an effective and reliable dispute resolution mechanism.
“The Federal High Court has also been at the forefront of political development in Nigeria. Political stability is one of the characteristics of a working economy.
The exclusive jurisdiction to try pre-election matters provided under sections 285 (14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and 2 sections 29(5) and 84 (14) of the Electoral Act 2022 elevated the role of the Court in the political stability of the country.
I must commend the Court for the admirable and efficient handling of the pre-election cases without any controversy.
The Court was able to rein in the desperate antics of politicians, and it upheld the rule of law, which led to the peaceful conduct of the 2023 General Elections.
“The Judiciary, especially the Federal High Court, plays an effective role in boosting our economic growth.
Therefore, it is necessary for the leadership of the Federal High Court to embark on the desired, relevant, and critical steps to constantly reform the Court to mirror and address judicial expediencies of the present times.
“To reposition the Courts, especially the Federal High Court, as the catalysts for economic growth in Nigeria, I hasten to recommend that the relevant judicial authorities should consider robust and holistic amendments be carried out on the rules of procedure for various courts to isolate outdated rules that undermine the efficient delivery of justice and the delay of court proceedings.
“The Court should prescribe a regime that aligns the theme of this Program in that direction because such a mechanism has already been adopted by most developed and some of the developing nations.
It is also very critical that credibility, competence, and integrity should play a decisive role in the appointment and discipline of Court officials.”
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