When you think of justice in Nigeria, your first thoughts might be corruption, long court proceedings, human rights violation and limited access to  justice. These challenges  make it almost impossible to believe there is potential for reform or advancement within the justice system in Nigeria. 

For new entrants into governance and social issues in Nigeria, 2020 was probably the year they  realised just how deep these issues are. The year marked the global outbreak of the Coronavirus and the nationwide #EndSARS protest against police brutality. Access to justice became increasingly challenging during the lockdown, as people were confined to their homes. This combined with the violent suppression of protesters led to further loss of trust in the justice system. 

While we’ve witnessed a significant rise in the integration of technology across various fields of human interaction; from healthcare, climate, transportation, financial solutions, to education, a lot of people are still unclear about the role that technology is playing in improving access to justice, fairness and reforms in Nigeria. Leading to our 2024 Civic Tech Landscape Report launch, we spoke to Kelechi Achinonu to share her thoughts on how civic tech is improving access to justice in Nigeria.

Kelechi Achinonu is the Regional Head at the HilL Innovation Hub, West Africa, a civil society organisation that is committed to making justice affordable, accessible and easy to understand through partnership with public officials, justice sector professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors.

In this conversation with Kelechi, she shared her insights regarding the role of tech in improving access to Justice and Justice Reforms in Nigeria: 

Justice Reforms in Nigeria: Assessing The Role of Tech

The role of technology in improving access to justice and promoting justice reforms in Nigeria is crucial and multifaceted. Technology offers innovative solutions to long-standing challenges within the justice system, such as inefficiencies, limited access, and procedural complexities. By using digital platforms, mobile applications, USSD services and data analytics, technology can make justice processes more accessible, transparent, and efficient.

One of the primary ways technology is transforming the justice sector is by improving access to legal information and services. Various platforms offer legal advice, document preparation, and case management services, which significantly reduce barriers to justice, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas. For instance, Legalnaija, DIYLaw, Lawpadi, Stand to End Rape Initiative. 

This is vital in Nigeria, where high mobile penetration rates offer a unique opportunity to extend legal services to a broader audience.

Moreover, technology can enhance case management and court administration through digital filing systems, online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms, and case tracking systems. These tools streamline court procedures, reduce delays, and increase transparency, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the justice system and the experience for those seeking justice.

Technology also plays a pivotal role in justice reforms by facilitating evidence-based policymaking. Through data analytics, it’s possible to identify system bottlenecks and inefficiencies, inform targeted reforms, and monitor the impact of these changes over time. This evidence-based approach is crucial for developing sustainable solutions to systemic problems within the justice system.

The integration of technology in access to justice and justice reforms in Nigeria has been a challenging endeavor. Digital divides have worsened existing inequalities, while concerns about data privacy and security need to be addressed. Additionally, justice sector leaders are not very open to the use of technology. Although the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 compelled stakeholders to explore other means of dispensing justice, such as conducting court hearings over Zoom, it did not have as much impact as expected. As a result, we have gone back to in-person court attendance. The use of technology by judges to take notes during court hearings is yet to be fully maximised, as judges still take down notes manually despite the tools created to help with this task.

Moreover, legal frameworks need to evolve alongside technological advancements. Capacity building among justice sector stakeholders is necessary to ensure the effective implementation and utilisation of these innovations.

To fully harness the transformative potential of technology for access to justice and justice reforms in Nigeria, efforts are needed to overcome these challenges. This includes ensuring that technological solutions are inclusive, secure, and integrated within a broader strategy for justice reform. The deployment of technology in the justice sector should be complemented by better data management, information sharing, and coordination. While technology significantly aids the justice process, it’s essential to recognise that it cannot entirely replace the need for face-to-face advice, which remains irreplaceable for certain types of cases.

HilL’s Contribution to Innovative Justice Solutions in Nigeria.

HiiL identifies and supports innovative justice solutions that can resolve pressing legal needs, especially those that leverage technology to provide accessible legal information, advice, and dispute resolution services. By fostering these innovations, HilL directly bridges the justice gap, ensuring more people can access the legal help they need.

Through our Justice Accelerator program, we scout and support startups and initiatives that use technology to improve access to justice. This includes funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of justice innovators. Startups under HiiL’s umbrella often focus on services that make justice processes more efficient and less daunting for ordinary citizens.

HiiL conducts comprehensive research on people’s justice needs and the performance of justice systems. By providing data-driven insights, HiiL helps policymakers, legal professionals, and innovators understand the most pressing justice issues and the potential areas where technology can make a significant impact. This evidence-based approach informs the development of targeted reforms and innovations in the justice sector.

HiiL actively engages with governments, civil society, and the private sector to advocate for justice innovations and reforms. By building partnerships and fostering dialogue among stakeholders, HiiL promotes policies and practices that support the integration of technology in justice systems, aiming to make them more inclusive and responsive to the needs of users.