CJN Launches Strategy to Combat Delayed Justice in Nigeria

Hon. Justice Kudirat Keker Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has launched a proactive case management strategy to tackle the significant backlog of 243,000 pending cases across superior courts. This initiative aims to address delays in civil disputes, which can sometimes extend over two decades.

During a national workshop organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, she emphasized the need for judicial officers to adopt modern practices, including technology integration, to improve efficiency and maintain fair due process. Justice Keker Ekun expressed concern over the prolonged litigation and frequent adjournments that undermine access to justice and erode public trust in the judiciary.

She urged judges to exercise greater control over proceedings and implement timelines effectively. The workshop aims to equip judges with strategies for docket control and electronic case management to enhance timely justice delivery across Nigeria.

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, also addressed the workshop, supporting the call for proactive case management practices to eliminate administrative bottlenecks.