Nigerian Lawyers have been charged to develop themselves technologically in order to meet up to the standard of the global justice delivery system, and to make them on par with their counterparts in the world. Nigerian Lawyers must be efficient and up to date in the latest digital economy that is evolving in the world today.
“Nigerian Lawyers need to develop technological skills. There should be digital transformation in Justice delivery, network infrastructure in courts, case infrastructure, ICT skills by the lawyers and the commitment on the part of lawyers to bring about the desired change”, he said.
This call was made on Tuesday by Hon Justice (Dr) Benedict Kanyip, the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria who was represented by Hon. Justice Nweneka G. Ikechi (Lagos Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court) at the 2022 Law Week organized by the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch during the seventh plenary session on the topic: Technology and Justice Delivery: The Bar and Bench of the Future, held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Hon Justice Benedict further noted why Nigerian Lawyers must be relevant among their counterparts in the world. He said that Lawyers must keep learning and improve on their technological skills on daily and monthly basis. There should also be technological acquisition skills.
He said that Court’s Computer systems must be working well and there should be a good internet connection in the court so as to enhance and boost justice delivery.
He further noted that “buying of equipment cannot solve the problem but the change in the way we practice”. And there should be a stakeholder forum to ensure that all these are done so as to reflect the change.
The panelists further stressed the need for technology as a tool and noted the necessity of teaching technology as a subject in law schools and an improvement on technical know-how on the part of the lawyers.
The panelists noted that there is need for the Nigerian Bar Association to approach the Heads of Courts and consult properly so as to ensure an effective change in Justice delivery in Nigeria.
Other panelists who spoke during the plenary session include: Dr (Mrs) Adekemi Omotubora, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos; Mr Basil Udotai, a Partner at Technology Advisors LLP and Mr Bidemi Daniel, a Partner at AO2 Law.