The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced an Electronic Filing (E-Filing) system in its Lagos Division, marking a decisive move away from manual court processes toward a more modern, technology-driven system.
Unveiling the platform on Monday, the Chief Judge, John Terhemba Tsoho, declared that paper-based filing in the court is effectively coming to an end. He explained that the new system is designed to tackle long-standing issues tied to manual filing, such as delays, backdating of documents, and interference from unofficial registry middlemen.
Under the new arrangement, lawyers and litigants can now file cases anytime and from anywhere, eliminating the limitations of traditional working hours. The system also features real-time case tracking and integrated electronic payment channels to improve transparency and accountability in fee management.
Tsoho noted that the time required for case files to reach judges would be reduced drastically—from days to mere seconds—significantly improving the pace of justice delivery.
He added that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, who has consistently pushed for the adoption of technology across the judiciary.
While encouraging legal practitioners to embrace digital signatures and electronic affidavit systems, the Chief Judge said hard copies of originating processes would still be required for now, pending a full transition to a completely paperless system.
Acknowledging that the rollout may face initial hurdles, Tsoho expressed confidence that the innovation would ultimately enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and boost public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system.
The development represents a major milestone in the ongoing effort to modernise court operations and advance digital justice administration in Nigeria.
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