AN APPRAISAL OF REMOTE COURT PROCEEDINGS AND JUSTICE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

COVID-19 Pandemic affected every aspect of human existence in the world including the justice delivery system. The containment measures in place at the time in form of lockdown, affected the efficient and prompt administration of justice and dispute resolution. Filing of court processes and service of same was virtually impossible. The Nigerian Judiciary like her counterparts in other jurisdictions issued regulations which allowed for remote court proceedings in various courts. This paper examined the constitutionality of remote court hearing. It discussed the legality of Remote Court proceedings. It advocates for the consolidation of remote court proceedings in justice delivery system in Nigeria for efficiency in dispute management through amendment of the Constitution or judicial interpretation. This paper finds that remote court proceedings must however conform to the rules and principles of law that apply to physical court hearings. This paper noted that there are surmountable challenges no doubt, but for effective justice delivery system to take root in Nigeria, remote court proceedings must be embraced especially in non-contentious matters and applications. This paper employs a doctrinal methodology. This Paper recommends effective case management system by the Bench, wide public sensitization on remote court proceedings, statutory reforms, transparency of the system etc.