The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned that although artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are reshaping the legal profession, they should never replace the constitutional role of judges in deciding legal disputes.
She gave the warning while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Law Week, themed “Lawyering in the Digital Age: Navigating Technology, Justice and Innovation.”
In her presentation, titled “Beyond Disruption: Redefining Legal Practice at the Intersection of Law, Technology and Justice,” the CJN noted that advancements such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital assets, cybercrime, electronic evidence and synthetic media have significantly changed legal practice and court proceedings.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said judges are increasingly handling cases involving modern technologies, making digital literacy an essential skill for judicial officers.
She stressed that while technology can improve the administration of justice, it should remain a support tool rather than a substitute for judicial reasoning.
According to her, the responsibilities of judges—including interpreting the Constitution, evaluating evidence, assessing witness credibility and balancing competing rights—cannot be delegated to artificial intelligence or automated systems.
The CJN also expressed concern over AI systems whose decision-making processes are not transparent, warning that such technologies could conflict with the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
She added that courts will increasingly face legal questions surrounding AI-generated evidence, particularly issues relating to authenticity, reliability and accountability.
Despite these concerns, Justice Kekere-Ekun described technology as a valuable opportunity to improve access to justice by reducing delays, enhancing transparency and streamlining court administration.
She revealed that the Supreme Court is finalising the implementation of its National Case Management System, a digital platform that will enable electronic monitoring of appeals from filing to final determination while improving case scheduling, registry operations and record management.
The CJN also announced plans to introduce new 2026 Practice Directions, which will make the electronic submission of court processes, records of appeal and other legal documents mandatory alongside physical filing.
However, she emphasized that digital transformation must not disadvantage litigants who lack access to technology or digital skills.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, disclosed that the court’s electronic filing platform has processed 630 cases since its launch on April 27, 2026.
Represented by Justice Olayinka Faji, he said the court organised 12 training sessions for lawyers before introducing the e-filing system and noted that the growing number of electronic filings reflects increasing acceptance of digital reforms in the judiciary.
Justice Faji also called for greater investment in technology infrastructure to create an integrated digital justice system connecting investigators, courts and correctional services.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, encouraged legal practitioners to embrace technological innovation while ensuring that justice, ethics and the rule of law remain at the centre of legal practice.
She observed that although artificial intelligence can assist with legal research, document drafting and case analysis, it cannot replace human judgment, professional discretion or ethical responsibility.
Also addressing participants, Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Mrs. Uchenna Ogunedo-Akingbade, urged lawyers to embrace continuous learning and digital competence, noting that electronic filing, virtual hearings, online dispute resolution and AI have become essential parts of modern legal practice.
Chairman of the 2026 Law Week Planning Committee, Mrs. Obosa Akpata, said the conference would examine key issues including artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, cybercrime, data protection, digital court processes, legal ethics and the impact of technology on the 2027 general elections.
