*President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Dongban-Mensem
The Court of Appeal on Monday convened a special sitting in Lagos as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the intermediate appellate court, aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency and addressing the increasing backlog of appeals across its divisions.
The special session was presided over by the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, who described the exercise as a deliberate, structured, and sustained intervention by the court to proactively decongest its appellate dockets, with particular emphasis on the Lagos Division.
Justice Dongban-Mensem observed that Lagos, as the commercial hub of the country, accounts for a significant proportion of litigation nationwide, thereby necessitating the adoption of pragmatic and innovative judicial mechanisms to ensure the expeditious determination of appeals and the effective administration of justice.
According to the PCA, the special sitting also affords Justices from other divisions of the Court of Appeal the opportunity to gain practical exposure to the diverse and complex range of matters routinely handled by the Lagos Division, many of which may not ordinarily arise within their respective jurisdictions.
“For the purpose of this exercise, the Court has constituted sixteen (16) panels comprising forty eight (48) Justices drawn from various divisions of the Court of Appeal,” she stated.
“These panels will sit throughout the week, with proceedings holding both at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal and at the National Industrial Court Complex.”
She explained that the dual-venue arrangement was strategically designed to ensure the optimal utilisation of judicial infrastructure and resources, while significantly enhancing the Court’s capacity to dispense justice timeously and efficiently.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed the Court’s appreciation to the Lagos Division for its support in hosting the visiting Justices, including the provision of court facilities and residential accommodation, describing the gesture as a manifestation of institutional cooperation and collegiality within the judiciary.
The PCA further disclosed that a total of three hundred and sixty (360) appeals have been listed for hearing before the constituted panels, noting that all the matters are ripe for hearing and determination.
She accordingly admonished counsel and litigants to take full advantage of the special sitting by ensuring that all processes filed are regular, competent, and free from defects capable of impeding or delaying proceedings.
“We expect counsel to diligently scrutinise their processes before appearing in court,” she advised.
“Where there exist any procedural impediments capable of stalling the hearing of an appeal, counsel are urged to take proactive steps to cure such defects.”
The special sitting forms an integral part of the events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal and reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to the timely dispensation of justice and the promotion of institutional efficiency.
