THE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has affirmed that while artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice and the administration of justice, it can never assume the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to judges.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch 2026 Law Week, themed “Beyond Disruption: Redefining Legal Practice at the Intersection of Law, Technology and Justice,” the Chief Justice emphasized that technological innovation must remain a tool that strengthens justice rather than replacing the human judgment required in judicial decision-making.
She observed that advancements such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, digital assets, electronic evidence, cybercrime, and synthetic media are reshaping legal systems worldwide.
As these technologies become increasingly integrated into society, courts are expected to evaluate their legality, constitutional implications, and broader impact on justice.
According to Justice Kekere-Ekun, every major technological breakthrough eventually comes under judicial scrutiny, where it must be assessed not only for its innovation but also for its compliance with the Constitution, principles of fairness, and the rule of law.
The Chief Justice stressed that judges must develop adequate technological knowledge to effectively understand and evaluate digital evidence and emerging technologies.
She, however, maintained that no technological advancement can substitute the role of judges in interpreting the law and delivering justice.
She explained that judicial decision-making involves far more than applying legal rules. It requires careful constitutional interpretation, evaluating witness credibility, balancing competing rights, exercising discretion, and applying judicial conscience responsibilities that cannot be transferred to algorithms or automated systems.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also raised concerns over the increasing reliance on opaque artificial intelligence models, commonly referred to as “black box” systems. She warned that such technologies could undermine constitutional guarantees because litigants are entitled to understand the reasoning behind judicial decisions.
Referencing Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, she noted that every individual has the right to a fair hearing, including the opportunity to examine the evidence and reasoning upon which court judgments are based. AI systems that cannot clearly explain how conclusions are reached, she said, present significant constitutional and legal challenges.
The Chief Justice further cautioned that the emergence of AI-generated content and synthetic evidence would create new questions for the courts regarding authenticity, reliability, and accountability. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence can improve administrative efficiency and assist with legal research and information management, she insisted that the responsibility for determining legal rights must always remain with constitutionally accountable judicial officers.
Highlighting the judiciary’s ongoing digital transformation, Justice Kekere-Ekun said technology offers one of the greatest opportunities to improve access to justice by reducing delays, lowering litigation costs, and making court services more accessible to citizens regardless of location.
She pointed to the judiciary’s progress in adopting electronic filing systems, virtual court proceedings, digital case management platforms, and legislation recognizing electronic evidence while addressing cybercrime.
The Chief Justice also announced that the Supreme Court is in the final stages of implementing the National Case Management System (NCMS), describing it as one of the most significant institutional reforms ever introduced at the nation’s apex court.
According to her, the integrated digital platform will allow appeals to be monitored from filing through final judgment while improving registry operations, case scheduling, record management, transparency, and overall efficiency within the judicial system.
In addition, the Supreme Court is set to introduce the Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal and Other Matters Practice Directions 2026.
The new directive will require litigants to submit electronic copies of court documents alongside physical filings, creating a secure digital archive of judicial records, improving access for justices, and helping to speed up the hearing and determination of appeals.
Justice Kekere-Ekun described these initiatives as comprehensive judicial reforms designed not merely to modernize court operations but to strengthen the administration of justice, improve lawyers’ productivity, enhance litigants’ experience, and reinforce public confidence in the judiciary.
Despite embracing technological innovation, she warned that digital reforms must not disadvantage citizens who lack access to technology or possess limited digital literacy.
Modernization, she said, should broaden access to justice rather than create new forms of exclusion.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, the Chief Justice noted that the country possesses Africa’s largest legal profession, one of the continent’s busiest judicial systems, and a rapidly expanding technology ecosystem.
She said these strengths position Nigeria to build one of Africa’s leading digital justice systems while ensuring that technological progress remains firmly guided by constitutional principles and the rule of law.
