Lower Courts Overburdened with Caseloads – CJN Laments

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Board of Governors, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised concerns about the challenges faced by lower courts in Nigeria.

According to Kekere-Ekun, these courts are struggling under a heavy caseload due to limited resources, poor working conditions, and a lack of incentives.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Conference of all Nigerian Judges of the Lower Courts, with the theme,”Strengthening Justice Upholding the Rule of Law: The Role of Lower Courts in the Judicial System”, held in Abuja on Monday, the CJN highlighted that the backlog of cases is undermining the efficiency of lower courts and eroding public confidence in the judicial system.

However, she encouraged judges to stay resilient, saying they should “explore ways to innovate within the bounds of the law.”

She said,”The theme of this year’s conference is a timely reminder of the fundamental position that our Lower Courts occupy within Nigeria’s judicial structure. They are the primary point of court contact between the public and the justice system, particularly for citizens at the grassroot level. Here, justice is not not perceived as a distant, abstract ideal. Rather, it is deeply personal, representing the sense of security that comes from knowing that one’s rights will be protected, that disputes will be resolved fairly, and that the law will be upheld consistently. It is this interaction that shapes citizens’ perceptions of justice, fairness and accountability.

“It is within this context that your decisions, orders, and judgements have a far-reaching impact on the lives of individual citizens and entire communities. To a significant extent, the public’s perception of our judicial system is shaped by their experiences in our courts. Thus, it is crucial that each of you recognizes the significant impact your role has on public perception of justice in Nigeria.

“In this regard, My Lords, distinguished participants, Ladies and gentlemen, we must view the Lower Courts not merely as judicial institutions but as pillars of justice, equity and community engagement. They are places where citizens expect swift, equitable, and substantial justice. As judges, you are not only arbiters of disputes but also guardians of the law. Your astuteness, dedication, and fairness inspire confidence in our judicial system, fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law that is essential to our nation’s development.

“At the same time, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the considerable challenges that continue to affect our Lower Courts. Overburdened with caseloads and facing limited resources, poor working conditions, and lack of sufficient backlog of cases.These backlogs not only hamper the efficiency of our courts but also erode public confidence in the judicial system.

“I urged each of you to remain undaunted by these challenges. Let us find strength in our shared shared mission and continue to explore ways to innovate within the bounds of the law.

“Practical improvements in case management, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and other tools at your disposal can help to alleviate some of these burdens, and I encourage you to embrace them.”

The CJN added,”The conference provides a crucial opportunity for you to explore these tools and approaches in a supportive, collaborative environment. During the course of interaction over the next few days, let us share insights, discuss solutions,and commit to elevating the administration of justice in our respective jurisdictions.

“The presence of distinguished moderators, facilitators, and speakers will provide valuable insights and strategies that you can implement in your courts. I am confident that their experience and knowledge will be instrumental in guiding you through this period of introspection and growth, equipping you with practical skills to uphold the principles of substantial justice at the grassroots level.”

Kekere-Ekun urged judges to continue to maintain the ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism as the hallmark of the Nigerian judiciary.

“The judiciary in Nigeria has long emphasized ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism, and this must continue to be our Hallmark. While our work is challenging, the privilege of being a judge brings with it a profound responsibility to maintain the highest standards of conduct. Our position is one of trust, and we must embody the values of fairness, respect, and diligence in every decision we make

“I urge each of you to reflect deeply on the profound power and responsibility that comes with your role. Let us all be guided by a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and justice for all Nigerians. The public looks to you with hope and expectation, and it is through your diligent efforts that we can continue to to build trust in our judicial system,” she stressed.

Earlier his welcome remarks, the Administrator, NJI, Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi, noted that the institute serves as the focal point of judicial activities relating to the promotion of efficiency, uniformity, and improvement in the quality of judicial services in the Superior and Lower Courts.

Abdullahi stressed that the Lower Courts play a pivotal role in the administration of justice in Nigeria, adding that this is amplified by their frequent interface and relations with a large crop of the citizenry domiciled at the grassroots.

Highlighting notable developments at the institute within the year, he disclosed that the Board of Governors of the Institute organized two streams of the induction course for newly appointed judges of the Lower Courts, and that the institute partnered with other notable agencies and institutions to deliver specialized trainings which were designed to reflect the peculiarities of the courts.

He said,” First and foremost is the Board of Governors of the Institute to organize two (2) streams of the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Judges of the Lower Courts. This is to ensure that all those appointed throughout the year, regardless of variations in the time of their appointments, are taken through this Introductory Course within the same calendar year. In this regard, until now, the institute usually organized a single Induction Course for Judges of the Lower Courts. However, this year and in light of recent developments, a first batch was trained between 20-24 May 2024, while we received and trained a second batch of participants between 9-13 September 2024.

“You will therefore agree with me that this innovation by the Board of the Governors of the Institute is highly commendable and worth lauding.

“Further, in the extent year, the institute partnered with other notable agencies and institutions to deliver specialized trainings which were designed to reflect the peculiarities of your courts, to enrich your knowledge base and broaden your horizons.

“Accordingly, the NJI partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to organize multiple State-based trainings on Child Justice and Child Protection, with Magistrates and Family Courts Judges included as key beneficiaries of these trainings.”

Abdullahi noted that the ultimate aim of the partnerships was to develop capabilities of participants and provide technical assistance for the establishment of diversion and community rehabilitation programmes for children in conflict with the law and children at risk of offending.

He added,” Also, in order to address the ethical dilemma which judges of the Lower Courts may occasionally face in the discharge of their duties; to entrench conformity with judicial ethics/inculcate skills in this regard; and to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of substantial and procedural law, this year, the NJI, in partnership with the Judicial College of England and Wales, organized strategic trainings for Magistrates.

“I am pleased to state that this particular partnership and the trainings have been ongoing for years and from the evaluation of feedbacks from participants, the trainings have positively impacted their performance in their various sections of service.

“Ultimately, I will like to restate the Institute’s unwavering commitment to building the capacities of Judges of the Lower Courts in diverse areas of the Law.”

The NJI Administrator assured that they would not relent in sustaining those meaningful partnerships, adding that with the guidance of the Education Committee of the Board Governors of the Institute, in the coming year,” we will strive to also design more programmes and actively explore collaborations which will be most beneficial to the Lower Courts”.

He urged judges to place a premium on the sanctity of their offices and treat with great responsibility the public confidence that is reposed on them and the judiciary by extension, especially those at the grassroots. “Do not allow your integrity to be compromised and do not cave in to any pressure or undue influence from external forces,”he told judges.