The Court of Appeal has sent 40 justices to Lagos for a special session to tackle case backlogs, improving efficiency in the Nigerian judicial system.
The Court of Appeal has mobilized 40 of its justices to Lagos for a specially arranged sitting aimed at resolving a significant backlog of pending appeals.
Over 360 cases are slated for hearing during the week-long exercise, which will be handled by 16 panels formed from divisions across Nigeria.
Presiding over the opening of the session on Monday, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, said the initiative underscores the court’s ongoing commitment to improving efficiency and reducing delays in the Nigerian justice system.
She emphasized that Lagos, being the country’s economic and commercial hub, receives a disproportionately high number of cases, making such interventions necessary.
“The high volume of appeals from Lagos demands focused attention to ensure justice is delivered without unnecessary delays,” Justice Dongban-Mensem said.
“This special sitting is part of our strategic plan to manage workload effectively and restore public confidence in the appellate system.”
The 16 panels, comprised of justices drawn from different divisions, will sit throughout the week at various locations in Lagos.
Some hearings will also take place at the National Industrial Court, which has provided courtroom space and residential accommodations for the visiting justices.
Acknowledging the sacrifices involved in the deployment, Justice Dongban-Mensem noted that some divisions had to operate with fewer justices to allow this concentrated effort in Lagos.
She appealed to lawyers to ensure their cases are fully prepared and ready for hearing, recalling a previous session where many appeals could not proceed due to counsel’s lack of readiness.
“The special sitting is for work, not leisure,” she stressed.
“Counsel must come prepared. Delays caused by incomplete files or unready cases undermine the purpose of this exercise and the credibility of the Court of Appeal.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem also thanked the Lagos State Government, particularly the Office of the Attorney-General, for providing critical logistical support.
She explained that the court’s limited resources alone would have been insufficient to accommodate the large number of justices and ensure smooth proceedings.
Beyond case management, the court president warned against actions that could damage public trust in the judiciary.
She emphasized that a decline in confidence could weaken the justice system and, in the long run, contribute to disorder and lawlessness.
Speaking on behalf of the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the sitting as historic and unprecedented for Lagos.
He pledged the Bar’s cooperation in ensuring hearings are conducted efficiently and without delays.
According to him, faster resolution of appeals benefits both legal practitioners and their clients, reinforcing faith in the Nigerian justice system.
Adegboruwa also congratulated the Court of Appeal on its golden jubilee, highlighting the institution’s five decades of contributions to jurisprudence.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly inadequate funding and aging infrastructure, and pledged that the Bar will continue to collaborate with the Bench to strengthen the judiciary.
Observers have noted that this special sitting could set a precedent for other states facing heavy appellate workloads.
By temporarily concentrating resources and manpower in one location, the Court of Appeal hopes to accelerate case resolution and reduce the backlog that has frustrated litigants for years.
Legal analysts say the Lagos sitting demonstrates the importance of proactive judicial management and inter-institutional collaboration.
The partnership with the National Industrial Court and support from the Lagos State Government show how strategic planning can overcome logistical constraints and enhance the effectiveness of the justice system.
For the lawyers and litigants involved, the week-long exercise is both an opportunity and a challenge. With 360 appeals on the schedule, every party must be fully prepared.
Those who are not risk further delays, reinforcing the court’s message that diligence and readiness are essential to achieving timely justice.
Justice Dongban-Mensem concluded by urging all participants to view the sitting as a collective effort to restore trust in the judiciary and ensure that the Court of Appeal continues to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively.
She reaffirmed the court’s commitment to innovative measures that prioritize efficiency while maintaining fairness and transparency.
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