PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF LEVERAGING ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE JUSTICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The world has evolved into a digital age as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) takes center stage. It has made the world a global village and simplified the way and manner activities and businesses are being conducted globally. Political, socio-economic and all other forms or facets of human endeavours and activities have been positively impacted by ICT to the extent that processes and procedures have been digitalised and made easy. The Court has been an integral part of the political system since the creation of modern State. Being as old as the human political set up, it cannot be left out in the digital political space. Interestingly, most developed and developing countries have introduced ICT in their respective courts for effective administration of justice and this has eased the processes and procedures of court and justice administration. In Nigeria today, the application of ICT in justice delivery has been a topical issue in many fora. The article examines the benefits and challenges of the application of ICT in Court management and justice delivery in Nigeria. It was found that the application of ICT in Court management and justice delivery remains a mirage largely due to lack of political will to ensure its implementation. The article concludes with recommendations on the need to invest massively and strengthen ICT units in each court with a view to ease and expedite the processes of justice delivery. This research adopts doctrinal methodology using primary and secondary sources for analysis.