SCPD 2026: Tech law expert, Basil Udotai, commends CJN, Supreme Court over historic digital judiciary mandate - ITREALMS

Renowned technology law expert and managing partner of Technology Advisor LLP, Basil Udotai, Esq., has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Supreme Court for the landmark launch of the Supreme Court mandatory upload of electronic copies of processes, record of appeal and other matters, under Practice Directions (SCPD), dated June 30, 2026, reports ITREALMS.

Udotai described the initiative as perhaps "the most consequential judicial technology reform in our nation’s contemporary legal history," asserting that it will catalyze the birth of a multi-billion naira Judicial Technology (JudTech) industry in Nigeria.

Analyzing the new guidelines, Udotai pointed out that while the SCPD appears to simply streamline electronic filing, searchable records, and digital transmissions, its structural impact goes much deeper.

"Last week, the Supreme Court created the DEMAND side of eJudiciary in Nigeria," Udotai stated. "By these Practice Directions, the Supreme Court has effectively architected the demand side of Nigeria's emerging eJudiciary ecosystem. And once the Supreme Court goes digital, the effects across the judicial hierarchy, the legal profession, the technology ecosystem, and indeed the wider economy become almost inevitable."

Udotai argued that the mandatory nature of the SCPD will force a massive "supply side" reaction from the private tech sector.

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He predicted the rapid emergence of a dedicated Nigerian Judicial Technology Industry to build out critical infrastructure, including:

Sovereign cloud environments and secure networks; Advanced cybersecurity frameworks and digital evidence platforms; Artificial intelligence tools tailored for legal and judicial processes.

He noted that this shift will create new jobs and business models, drawing in software developers, AI specialists, digital evidence experts, and legal-tech entrepreneurs.

"The Supreme Court has brought the Nigerian judiciary, perhaps for the first time, firmly into the digital economy," Udotai concluded. He called on Nigeria’s legal, tech, and business communities to actively support the judiciary in building a robust, self-sustaining technology ecosystem to power the new era of justice.

Remmy Nweke/DoP