…Says delayed, costly litigation weakens faith in judicial system
…Urges lawyers to explore AI, crypto, space law, and digital jurisprudence
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has advocated sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s legal system, stressing the urgent need to integrate emerging technologies and modernise legal practice to ensure faster, more affordable, and globally competitive justice delivery.
Kalu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the 2025 Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch Law Week, themed: “Unlocking Opportunities: New Frontiers.
”According to him, “Reform outdated laws, rethink our approach to legal education, and embrace innovation. This is how Nigerian lawyers can remain relevant in the global legal ecosystem,” he charged.
Highlighting the limitations of Nigeria’s current litigation-focused practice, Kalu said it was disheartening that many lawyers remained confined to civil and criminal litigation, while their global counterparts were exploring space law, artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, wealth management, and other dynamic areas.
“Branching into these emerging sectors will not only open new windows of wealth and opportunity but also position Nigerian lawyers on the global stage,” Kalu said.
He stressed the need for legal practitioners and institutions to incorporate AI tools, virtual court technologies, and data protection frameworks, noting that these innovations could dramatically cut down litigation costs and enhance transparency in judicial processes.
Kalu decried the persistent delays and high costs associated with litigation in Nigeria, citing them as major deterrents for ordinary citizens seeking justice.
“Justice delayed is justice denied — and when justice is expensive, it becomes inaccessible. We must reform the system to deliver timely, affordable justice,” he said.
He argued that virtual court sittings and digital evidence recording would not only speed up case resolutions but also increase accountability among judicial officers, since court proceedings can be publicly accessed and archived in real-time.
The lawmaker also emphasised the need to update jurisprudence on copyright, data protection, and digital transactions, warning that the current legal infrastructure remains ill-equipped for fast-evolving technological realities.
“The legal profession is dynamic, not static. To lead in this age, we must invest in expertise that aligns with global best practices,” Kalu advised.
Earlier, Mr Steve Emelieze, Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, welcomed participants to the event, saying the law week aims to expose legal professionals to emerging realities and challenges within the fast-changing global legal space.
“As custodians of the law, we must harness innovation to uphold justice and the rule of law in an age reshaped by technology, globalisation, and social change,” Emelieze stated.
