The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has called for a decisive end to the fraternization between judicial officers and politically exposed individuals in the country. He made this important announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria’s 2024/2025 legal year.
Osigwe expressed concern over the trend of transforming swearing-in ceremonies for judicial officers into extravagant celebrations attended by politicians. He emphasized that this practice tarnishes the reputation of the judiciary, especially in the eyes of a public that is already scrutinizing its integrity. He urged the judiciary to set a positive example by exercising restraint and refraining from emulating the ostentatious displays of wealth commonly seen in other sectors of society.
He underscored the necessity for the judiciary to remain a symbol of modesty, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law. Earlier in his remarks, Osigwe highlighted that public interest is best served when labor justice is administered quickly, fairly, and impartially. He pledged to advocate for the digitalization of all superior courts of record across the nation.
In addition, he outlined several key judicial reforms the NBA plans to propose, including the implementation of Case Management and Scheduling with Time Slots. This initiative aims to create a more organized case management system that assigns specific time slots for cases, thereby reducing waiting times for both lawyers and litigants.
Osigwe also discussed the introduction of a Notification of Adjournments system, which would ensure that lawyers receive prompt electronic notifications of adjournments or changes in court schedules. This would enable legal practitioners to be better informed and adequately prepared for their cases. Furthermore, he proposed assigning customized email addresses to every court registry, enhancing communication between the courts, lawyers, and litigants and facilitating a more efficient administration of justice.
He acknowledged the evolving trends in society, such as the rise of the gig economy, remote work, and automation, which present both opportunities and challenges for the legal system, particularly for the National Industrial Court. Osigwe emphasized that the court plays a vital role in the social fabric, asserting that labor justice is crucial not only for resolving disputes but also for maintaining social order, promoting economic growth, and upholding the rule of law.
