Africa
The Case for Remote Hearings and Virtual Courtrooms: Efficiency, Access, and the Future of Justice -By Jeff Okoroafor
For centuries, justice has been synonymous with wood-paneled courtrooms, stern judges in black robes, and the solemnity of physical presence. But the legal system’s stubborn adherence to tradition is holding it back. Remote hearings and virtual courtrooms aren’t just a pandemic-era necessity—they’re a long-overdue evolution that makes justice faster, fairer, and more accessible. It’s time to embrace them.
For too long, Nigeria’s justice system has been shackled by delays, inefficiency, and exclusion. Court cases drag on for years, litigants travel long distances at great cost, and overcrowded dockets leave many waiting indefinitely for their day in court. But what if the solution isn’t building more court houses or hiring more judges—but embracing technology? Remote hearings and virtual courtrooms could transform Nigeria’s legal system, making justice faster, cheaper, and more accessible for millions.
The legal system has traditionally relied on in-person proceedings, but the rise of remote hearings and virtual courtrooms—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—has proven that justice can be effectively served beyond the physical courtroom. While some critics argue that virtual proceedings lack the solemnity of traditional courtrooms or pose security risks, the benefits—increased access to justice, cost savings, and operational efficiency—far outweigh the drawbacks.
Consider the realities of our current system. A civil case that should take months drags on for years because of endless adjournments. A witness from Maiduguri must spend days traveling to testify in Lagos. A market trader loses crucial income every time she appears in court. These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re systemic failures that deny justice to ordinary Nigerians.
Virtual courtrooms offer concrete solutions. When Lagos implemented remote hearings during the pandemic, the benefits became immediately clear. Lawyers could attend multiple hearings in different jurisdictions without racing across town. Judges cleared backlogs by handling routine matters efficiently. Most importantly, Nigerians who previously couldn’t afford to pursue justice suddenly found the system working for them rather than against them.
The accessibility argument is particularly compelling in our Nigerian context. For rural communities, the nearest courthouse might be hours away. For small business owners, every court appearance means lost income. For vulnerable populations—women, people with disabilities, the elderly—physical courtrooms present daunting barriers. Technology can change this equation dramatically.
Of course, legitimate concerns exist. Internet connectivity remains uneven across the country. Digital literacy varies widely. Some question whether virtual proceedings can maintain the solemnity of justice. But these aren’t reasons to reject progress—they’re challenges to overcome. Kenya’s e-filing system and Rwanda’s paperless courts prove these obstacles can be surmounted with thoughtful implementation.
The path forward requires decisive action. First, we must expand Lagos’ successful pilot program nationwide, starting with high-volume, routine matters like motions and appeals. Second, we need strategic investments in court technology and digital infrastructure. Third, comprehensive training programs must prepare both legal professionals and the public for this transition.
This isn’t about replacing our justice system—it’s about making it finally work as intended. Virtual courtrooms won’t solve every problem overnight, but they represent our best chance to deliver on the promise of equal justice for all Nigerians. The technology exists. The need is undeniable. The question is whether we have the courage to embrace this necessary evolution.
For centuries, justice has been synonymous with wood-paneled courtrooms, stern judges in black robes, and the solemnity of physical presence. But the legal system’s stubborn adherence to tradition is holding it back. Remote hearings and virtual courtrooms aren’t just a pandemic-era necessity—they’re a long-overdue evolution that makes justice faster, fairer, and more accessible. It’s time to embrace them.
Justice delayed is justice denied—and Nigeria has denied justice to too many for too long. The virtual courtroom revolution offers us a chance to change that. It’s time we take it.
Jeff Okoroafor is a social accountability advocate and a political commentator focused on governance, accountability, and social justice in West Africa.
