Federal High Court Launches E-Filing System in Lagos

The Federal High Court in Lagos officially launched its e-filing system, representing a major transition from manual paper-based procedures to a digital case management platform. This reform, unveiled by Chief Judge John Terhemba Tsoho, aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in the judiciary.

Tsoho described the end of the paper era as a decisive break from outdated practices that have contributed to delays and congestion in court processes. The e-filing system is designed to automate the generation of verifiable digital records, create audit trails, and reduce the influence of unofficial intermediaries.

It integrates electronic payment channels for filing fees, ensuring instant revenue transparency. The transition will be gradual, with hard copies still required initially, and senior lawyers encouraged to delegate tasks to junior counsel.

The initiative aligns with broader national reforms in the judiciary, overseen by the National Judicial Council. Chief Judge Kashim Zannah highlighted the necessity of digitalization for judicial performance, emphasizing the importance of judicial ownership of the digital infrastructure.