Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said that while artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice and improving judicial efficiency, it can never replace judges in determining legal rights and administering justice.

Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch 2026 Law Week, themed “Beyond Disruption: Redefining Legal Practice at the Intersection of Law, Technology and Justice,” the CJN said technological innovation must always remain subject to constitutional principles, fairness and the rule of law.

She stated:

“Every significant technological development eventually arrives in a courtroom where it must be examined not simply through the lens of innovation, but through the enduring requirements of legality, fairness and constitutionalism.”

While acknowledging the growing role of AI, blockchain technology, digital assets, cybercrime, electronic evidence and synthetic media in the justice system, Kekere-Ekun stressed that judges must develop sufficient technological knowledge to effectively evaluate digital evidence and emerging technologies.

Emphasising the limits of artificial intelligence in judicial decision-making, she said:

“Technology is an instrument of justice. It can never become its substitute.”

The Chief Justice explained that judicial responsibilities extend beyond applying legal rules, requiring constitutional interpretation, assessment of witness credibility, balancing competing rights and the exercise of judicial conscience.

She added:

“Those responsibilities cannot be delegated to algorithms.”

Kekere-Ekun also warned that the increasing use of opaque AI systems, often referred to as “black boxes,” could create constitutional concerns because litigants have a right to understand and challenge the reasoning behind court decisions.

According to her:

“That constitutional guarantee is difficult to reconcile with opaque artificial intelligence systems whose reasoning cannot readily be explained.”

Despite those concerns, the CJN said technology offers significant opportunities to improve access to justice by reducing delays, lowering costs and overcoming geographical barriers. She noted that Nigeria’s judiciary has already embraced electronic filing, virtual court proceedings and digital case management systems.

She disclosed that the Supreme Court is preparing to introduce the National Case Management System (NCMS), an integrated digital platform designed to improve case tracking, registry administration, scheduling and transparency. She also announced plans for new Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal and Other Matters Practice Directions 2026, which will require litigants to file electronic copies alongside physical documents.

Calling for inclusive digital reforms, Kekere-Ekun cautioned:

“As we modernise, we must ensure that technology expands rather than restricts access to justice. Digital transformation must never create new forms of exclusion.”

She concluded by expressing confidence that Nigeria can build one of Africa’s leading digital justice systems while ensuring that technology remains firmly anchored in constitutional values.

“Our objective is not to imitate other jurisdictions, but to develop solutions that reflect our own constitutional values and institutional realities. Technology must serve Nigeria’s justice system, not the other way around.”