Supreme Court Introduces Mandatory Electronic Filing Regime Through The 2026 Practice Directions

In line with the judiciary’s commitment towards embracing digital innovation and improving access to justice, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, issued the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal, and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026¹  (“Practice Directions”) on 1^st July 2026 pursuant to section 236 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),² and in alignment with relevant provisions of the Supreme Court Rules 2024.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRACTICE DIRECTIONS

The Practice Directions introduce a number of significant procedural innovations intended to advance the digitalisation of proceedings before the Supreme Court, strengthen the Nigerian case management framework, and promote the timely determination of appeals, addressing a long-standing need for greater judicial efficiency. The key highlights include the following: