NBA president: Judiciary’s failure to embrace technology delaying justice

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has criticised the judiciary’s slow adoption of technology, blaming it for persistent delays in the justice system. Speaking at the Justice and Innovation Technology (JIT) Summit in Abuja, where JUDIC AI—an AI-powered legal solution—was unveiled, Osigwe decried the continued use of manual court recording […]

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has criticised the judiciary’s slow adoption of technology, blaming it for persistent delays in the justice system.

Speaking at the Justice and Innovation Technology (JIT) Summit in Abuja, where JUDIC AI—an AI-powered legal solution—was unveiled, Osigwe decried the continued use of manual court recording methods, despite the availability of digital tools.

“It’s surprising that in the era of speech-to-text software, courts still rely on longhand. Some judges even disable electronic devices, fearing their words might be recorded,” he said.

Osigwe warned that this resistance hampers efficiency, causing cases that should last weeks to drag on for years.

He cited frequent delays in obtaining judgments, often exceeding the constitutional seven-day deadline—as a major concern that undermines public trust in the judiciary.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said, adding that some innocent people serve full sentences before their appeals are heard.

He also criticised the quality of judicial outputs, noting frequent errors and a lack of reasoning in rulings.

The NBA president called for urgent reforms, including digitising administrative tasks and ensuring that judges are computer literate—an issue he says current constitutional standards overlook.

He also lamented that commercial disputes are increasingly resolved outside Nigeria due to eroding confidence in the legal system.

Peter Bemshima Emmanuel, CEO of Devon Technology, stressed the need for digital transformation, noting that many judges still rely on handwritten notes despite technological advances.

Emmanuel highlighted the inefficiencies such as the physical transportation of inmates to court for case hearings.
“We are committed to driving digital transformation in the legal sector,” he said.
The event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, was supported by Devon Technology and the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC).
Ms Lucy James Abagi, Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, outlined her organisation’s efforts to address systemic inefficiencies, particularly in pre-trial detention.
She reported that PPDC’s technology-driven solutions, including JUDIC AI and Docket Master, have reduced case dockets by 50% in five states, accelerating trials and improving outcomes for over 2,500 pre-trial detainees.
She said, “Our digital filing systems, electronic courtrooms, and remote hearings are laying the foundation for a modern, efficient judiciary.”