The Court of Appeal has commenced a special sitting in Lagos as part of deliberate measures to clear a growing backlog of appeals and strengthen efficiency in the administration of justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongbam Mensem has said.
Speaking at the opening of the special sitting, Justice Mensem described the exercise as timely and necessary, noting that Lagos, as the nation’s commercial hub, naturally accounts for a substantial volume of appellate litigation.
The Court of Appeal president explained that the special sitting aligns with the court’s sustained commitment to improving access to justice while managing its expanding docket.
“Today’s sitting reflects the court’s deliberate and sustained commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing the growing volume of appeals across its divisions,” she said.
16 Panels, 360 Appeals listed
According to the President of the Court of Appeal, the special sitting will feature 16 panels made up of 48 justices drawn from different divisions of the court.
She disclosed that a total of 360 appeals have been listed for hearing, all of which are ripe for adjudication.
The panels, according to the President of the court said will sit throughout the week in scheduled sessions, with some operating at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal and others at the National Industrial Court to ensure optimal use of judicial facilities.
“This arrangement ensures the optimal utilisation of available judicial facilities and resources,” she noted, while expressing appreciation to the National Industrial Court for its continued support in providing courtrooms and accommodation.
Lawyers urged to be ready
The Court of Appeal President urged lawyers and litigants to take the special sitting seriously by ensuring readiness and strict compliance with procedural rules, warning that unprepared counsel could frustrate the objectives of the exercise.
“When we set out time to work, we want to work. This is not a vacation,” she cautioned, recalling previous instances where lack of preparedness by counsel led to wasted judicial resources.
She stressed that inspectors would scrutinise court processes to remove any obstacles capable of delaying hearings, adding that the exercise demands cooperation and sacrifice from all stakeholders.
Bar assures support, seeks better facilities
Responding on behalf of the Lagos Bar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun Adegoruwa commended the Court of Appeal for the special sitting and its Golden Jubilee initiatives, assuring the justices of the Bar’s readiness to facilitate speedy hearings.
“It is in our own interest and indeed in the interest of our clients to ensure that all pending cases are expeditiously heard,” he said.
The Bar also appealed for improved infrastructure and better funding for the judiciary, pledging continued collaboration to strengthen the justice sector.
In tying the exercise to the court’s Golden Jubilee year, the Court of Appeal President urged judges, lawyers, litigants and the media to uphold professionalism, integrity and accuracy, noting that public confidence in the judiciary depends on collective responsibility.
He stressed that the success of the special sitting would not only reduce delays but also reinforce faith in the rule of law as the Court of Appeal marks 50 years of service to Nigeria’s justice system.
