By Wellington Jopelo
The Federal High Court has officially launched its electronic filing system in Lagos, marking a major shift from manual paperwork to digital processes in the Nigerian judiciary. The new system was unveiled on Monday, April 27, 2026, at a ceremony attended by top judicial officers, legal practitioners, and stakeholders.
Our correspondent from Network Times was present at the event, where the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T. Tsoho, described the development as a turning point for the justice system. He said the era of carrying heavy case files and relying on manual processes is over.
Justice Tsoho explained that the new platform will improve transparency, speed, and efficiency in handling cases. He added that the move is in line with ongoing efforts to modernise the courts and make justice delivery faster and more reliable.
The e-filing system allows lawyers to file court processes at any time of the day from any location. It also introduces real-time tracking of cases, ensuring that documents get to judges faster without unnecessary delays.
With the introduction of electronic payment, the system is expected to eliminate unofficial charges and reduce interference from middlemen. Lawyers are also encouraged to adopt digital tools such as electronic signatures and seals to fully utilise the platform.
To ensure smooth operation, the Chief Judge advised senior lawyers to allow junior lawyers or trained ICT staff handle the technical aspects of filing. Judges were also encouraged to focus on their core duties while administrative tasks are handled by court registrars.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Registrar, Yahaya Yakubu Shafa, warned legal practitioners against manipulating filing details to avoid paying correct fees. He stated that anyone who under-declares claims or misrepresents documents will be made to pay the balance along with a N10,000 penalty for each filing.
He also announced that all lawyers must obtain a Legal Mail account before they can access the platform. The court further directed law firms to upload their Corporate Affairs Commission registration documents when creating their profiles.
According to the court, documents that require oath-taking will now go through the e-affidavit system, although individuals must still appear physically before a Commissioner for Oaths for verification.
The court added that training materials, including videos, have been provided online to guide users on how to operate the system. Legal practitioners were urged to comply fully with the new process to avoid disruptions.
Justice Tsoho admitted that there may be minor challenges at the beginning but assured stakeholders that the system will improve with time. He called for patience and cooperation from all users.
The launch of the e-filing system in Lagos is seen as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s legal system and making court processes faster, easier, and more transparent for everyone involved.