The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has approved a major technology upgrade for the territory’s High Courts, with plans to introduce electronic court recording and digital case management systems across its judicial facilities.
The initiative, approved by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, is expected to modernise court operations by replacing traditional paper-based procedures with automated digital systems.
The General Counsel and Mandate Secretary of the FCT Legal Services Secretariat, Mr Salman Dako, announced the development in Abuja following the meeting of the FCT Administration Executive Council chaired by the minister.
According to Dako, implementation of the project is expected to begin shortly following the approval of the contracts.
67 Courtrooms to Receive Digital Systems
Dako explained that the project would cover 67 courtrooms across the Federal Capital Territory, providing facilities for electronic recording and improved case management.
He said the programme would transform the way judicial records are created, stored and accessed.
The initiative will move the FCT High Courts away from handwritten proceedings and manual case files towards electronic documentation and digital workflow management.
“This means transitioning the High Court from manual recording to digital recording and electronic case management,” Dako said.
Technology to Address Judicial Delays
The FCT Legal Services Secretariat official noted that the existing manual system has created challenges for court administration over the years.
Some of the difficulties associated with paper-based procedures include: handwritten court records, physical filing systems, difficulties tracking case progress, delays caused by administrative processes.
He said the new digital platform was designed to improve efficiency, organisation and accessibility within the judicial system.
According to him, technology-driven court management would reduce dependence on physical documents and simplify processes for judges, lawyers and litigants.
Electronic Filing for Lawyers and Litigants
Dako added that the digital transformation would allow legal practitioners and court users to adopt electronic filing systems.
The move is expected to reduce paperwork while improving access to judicial services.
He described the project as an important step towards bringing Abuja’s courts in line with modern judicial practices already being introduced in some other jurisdictions.
“Some judicial divisions have already started this outside the FCT, so this is the direction the justice system is moving,” he said.
Nigeria’s Growing Push for Digital Justice
The digitisation of courts forms part of a broader effort to improve justice delivery through technology.
Across the world, judicial systems have increasingly adopted:electronic filing, virtual hearings, digital recording, online case tracking, electronic document management.
Supporters of judicial technology argue that digital systems can improve transparency, reduce administrative delays and make court services easier to access.
However, successful implementation depends on factors such as: reliable internet infrastructure, cybersecurity, staff training, maintenance of digital systems.
