Lagos Chief Judge Calls for Collaboration as NBA Annual Conference Begins
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has stressed the importance of closer collaboration between the judiciary and legal practitioners to tackle the increasing problem of frivolous cases.
Justice Alogba made this statement at a reception at the Nigeria Law School in Lagos, welcoming lawyers from across the country to this year’s Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.
His call to action aims to rebuild public trust in the judiciary by reducing unnecessary litigation that congests the court system and delays the administration of justice.
Justice Alogba emphasized that frivolous cases not only waste the court’s time but also undermine public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to provide timely and fair justice.
He urged legal practitioners to be more discerning in the cases they bring to court, ensuring that only those with substantial legal merit proceed.
According to him, this approach would help to decrease the backlog of cases, enhance efficiency, and improve the judiciary’s credibility.
The Chief Judge’s appeal aligns with broader judicial reforms advocated across Nigeria, including the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to handle less complex cases.
In his comments, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yakubu Maikyau, SAN called on lawyers to uphold the integrity of the judiciary as the last refuge of the common man.
The NBA President emphasized the need for legal practitioners to adhere to ethical standards, avoid frivolous cases, and work towards a justice system that is more equitable and accessible.
Yakubu Maikyau, SAN noted that his appeal is part of broader efforts by the NBA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Judicial Council, to regain public trust in the judiciary and ensure that it functions as a fair and dependable institution for all Nigerians.
