Benue State University, Makurdi

Electronic Filing and Service of Court Processes under the National Industrial Court Rules, 2017 and Court of Appeal (Practice Directions), 2014: A Catalyst for Trial within a Reasonable Time in Nigeria

Vitalis Akase Shima^*
Bem Aboho, Esq^**

Abstract

The conventional method of justice delivery in Nigeria is marred with avoidable delays and lack of transparency. The need to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the judicial system has necessitated the use of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Spurred by the desire to examine the extent to which the use of ICT, especially in the area of electronic filing and service of court processes has enhanced speedy dispensation of justice, this article adopted the doctrinal method of research in which reliance was placed primarily on the National Industrial Court Rules, 2017 and Court of Appeal (Practice Directions), 2014 as well as judicial authorities. Reliance was also placed on secondary sources of information such as opinions of eminent scholars expressed in books and journals. It was found that albeit the use of electronic filing and service of court processes is a veritable catalyst for speedy trial, its effective utilisation is hamstrung by epileptic power supply, lack of Information Technology (IT) skills, inadequate funding of the judiciary, inadequate relevant legal and regulatory framework, et cetera. It is advocated that Government should ensure the provision of stable electricity supply as well as introduction of a mandatory programme for the acquisition of IT skills by lawyers, judges, court officials like clerks and registrars. It is further advocated that the judiciary should be adequately funded, amendment of various court rules to accommodate electronic method in conducting activities in court, among others.

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