Abuja: The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has called on the federal and states judiciary to adopt technology tools for efficient justice system. PPDC, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) created to increase citizens’ participation in governance, specifically advocated the adoption of virtual trial of inmates to address the challenges associated with bringing them to court.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, PPDC, Mr. Chibuzo Ekwekwuo, made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the ongoing third edition of Access to Justice Parley organised by the centre. The parley is themed, ‘Justice, Security and Governance: A Unified Agenda for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development.’
Ekwekwuo stated that digitisation allows an accused person in prison custody to remain in prison while having their case heard in court. This approach would eliminate logistical issues such as the lack of transportation or availability of officers to escort inmates to court.
The PPDC board chairman highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to overcome challenges in the justice system. He noted that technology could eliminate delayed trials and other obstacles to prompt justice.
He further explained that the workload on judges, including writing in longhand and conducting research, could be alleviated by using available technologies. He urged court administrators and judiciary officers to adopt these tools.
Ekwekwuo particularly encouraged the states judiciary to expedite the adoption of modern tools, acknowledging that change can be challenging but necessary given the global and national context.
PPDC has pioneered the development of court management systems in Nigeria, deploying more court management tools in courts than any other organisation. The NGO has developed technology tools for e-filing, court management recording, file management, and evidence handling, continuously striving to improve the justice system.
PPDC’s primary mission is to enhance citizens’ participation in governance, thereby strengthening the integrity of public institutions and governance processes. The organisation aims to introduce initiatives that improve efficiency, drive growth, and increase citizens’ access to justice institutions.
The parley was sponsored by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).