Digitalising Court Records in Nigeria: How Much Progress Has Been Made?

The tale of Nigeria’s courts is one of perseverance put to the test by fire, both literally and figuratively. The country’s judiciary has experienced numerous shocks that have threatened to impede justice, from the dusty records of pre-COVID-19 times to the devastation caused during the EndSARS rallies.

However, in the midst of these difficulties, a silent revolution has been taking place: the digitalization of court documents, e-filing systems, and virtual hearings, which, if they are maintained, have the potential to completely alter the way justice is administered.

Now, the most important question is whether these reforms will last or wane after the crises that brought them about are over.

Many Nigerian courts relied almost exclusively on paper prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Delays in the administration of justice were common, case tracking was sluggish, and files were manually stamped, packaged, and kept in registries. The possibility of losing important documents loomed big for plaintiffs, and the legal system operated in a frustratingly delayed manner.

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled courts to reconsider their methods.

Virtual hearings, electronic filing, and digital case-management systems became essential due to lockdowns and social alienation, which forced the judiciary to adopt long-discussed but infrequently carried out reforms.

However, concerns regarding the long-term viability of these adjustments emerged as the pandemic’s urgency subsided. Once the urgent need subsided, some courts returned to analog procedures, while others adopted digital platforms. In several jurisdictions, development was hindered by unreliable power supplies, unstable internet, a lack of IT expertise among court employees, and insufficient funds. The advances obtained under duress run the danger of eroding without consistent investment, leaving courts vulnerable to disruption and inefficiency.

The October 2020 EndSARS protests brought attention to the critical need for trustworthy digital records. Hoodlums invaded Lagos’ ancient Igbosere High Court during the protests, burning decades’ worth of court records and setting the building on fire. Over 150 years of judicial history, including case files, exhibits, and court records, may have been lost, according to legal professionals. However, many case data were securely backed up because of prior investments in cloud storage, proving the ability of digital systems to maintain legal memory.

Justice Kazeem Alogba, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, affirmed that notwithstanding the damage, judicial procedures could proceed thanks to electronically saved case files. Lawyers lamented the irreversible loss of historical records, pointing out that many cases would need to be refiled and some might never be fully reconstructed, but the institutional and emotional cost was still high.

Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of Nigeria has made digitization a crucial reform pillar at the top of the court. She stated that the Supreme Court issued 369 rulings during the 2025–2026 legal year, crediting computerization, centralized digital court record units, and a new case-management system for the improvement. Additionally, she announced the establishment of a Central Information Unit to offer complete e-filing integration via the Nigerian Case Management System and real-time case updates. However, the CJN’s zeal is restrained by caution. She has cautioned court officers about data security dangers on several occasions, warning them that the judiciary is a top target for hackers and handles confidential information.

Speaking at a cybersecurity and AI symposium, she emphasized that technology should support justice rather than take the place of human judgment, pointing out that courts must carefully strike a balance between efficiency, integrity, and public trust.

Even if digitization promises resilience and efficiency, worries about exclusion still exist. For example, the Lagos State Judiciary’s transition to requiring e-affidavits through its LagosCoMiS system has created practical difficulties. While many attorneys applauded the move for lowering fraud, others expressed worry that people without dependable internet access or technical abilities may be left out.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a senior advocate, has warned that a hasty transition could result in a two-speed legal system that favors those with means while neglecting others. In order to guarantee that everyone has access to justice, he advocates for a gradual, inclusive strategy in which electronic filing enhances rather than replaces human procedures.

In Nigerian courts, digitization presents both technological and legal challenges. Although electronic records are recognized by the Evidence Act of 2011, procedural requirements are still lacking, which raises questions about the legitimacy and admissibility of digital evidence.

Experts contend that strong cybersecurity measures, legal clarity, and comprehensive training for judges, clerks, and attorneys are necessary for digital court records to be genuinely effective. Without these, digitization runs the risk of being superficial or possibly making the legal system more vulnerable. Nigeria’s court digitization story is one of promise tempered with instability. In addition to demonstrating how quickly physical data can be destroyed, the EndSARS destruction also highlighted how digital backups can preserve important legal memories. The unequal implementation of technology, along with gaps in infrastructure and regulations, indicates that digital changes are still in their infancy. The CJN’s recurrent demands for data security and cautious technological use are indicative of a larger conflict: how to modernize the court without jeopardizing the rule of law, public trust, or access to justice. The judiciary must take a few actions in order to fully benefit from digitization. All courts must institutionalize digital technology, not merely use them as test projects. To support these platforms, governments must make investments in dependable electricity, fast internet, and backup systems. Legal frameworks should be modified to give precise instructions on digital filing, data protection, and electronic evidence. To successfully manage the digital shift, judges, registrars, and court employees need continual training. Additionally, systems must be inclusive, using hybrid models to accommodate people who lack dependable technology or digital literacy.

Lastly, in order to avoid future losses similar to those that occurred during EndSARS, historical records must be digitized and safely stored.

Driven by crises like COVID-19 and EndSARS and supported by reformist leadership at the highest levels, Nigeria’s courts have made significant progress in adopting digital change. However, there are still issues with infrastructure, inclusivity, and sustainability. Technology must be supported by steady investment, well-defined legal frameworks, and capacity building if it is to serve justice.

Nigeria’s judiciary won’t be able to protect its past and future until it is resilient, effective, and accessible.