Supreme Court Issues Fresh Directive, Gives Lawyers 30 Days to Upload Appeal Documents

The Supreme Court has directed lawyers handling appeals and motions scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026 to upload all relevant court documents through its newly introduced digital platform.

The directive forms part of the court’s ongoing transition to an electronic filing and case management system aimed at improving the administration of justice across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, legal practitioners are expected to upload the required processes at least 30 days before the dates fixed for hearing.

The court explained that the directive is mandatory and applies to all appeals and motions listed within the specified period. Lawyers were advised to visit the Supreme Court’s website to access the schedule of matters already fixed for hearing and take the necessary steps within the stipulated timeframe.

The directive is in line with Rule 10(1) of the Supreme Court Practice Direction, 2026, which provides the framework for the implementation of electronic filing and digital case management at the apex court.

The court said strict compliance would help ensure the smooth operation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS), which was recently introduced as part of broader judicial reforms.

It further noted that the successful implementation of the platform would support faster processing of cases, reduce administrative delays and improve access to court records for legal practitioners and other stakeholders.

The move follows the official launch of the Supreme Court’s electronic filing system and the Nigerian Case Management System on July 1, 2026.

The digital platforms were introduced under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as part of efforts to modernise court processes and align the judiciary with global technological standards.