Supreme Court Orders Online Filing of Appeal Documents From September

• Lawyers handling appeals fixed between September and December must upload all case documents online.
• Directive implements the Supreme Court Practice Direction 2026 through the Nigerian Case Management System.
• Court warns counsel to submit records and briefs at least 30 days before hearing dates.

The Supreme Court has directed legal practitioners handling appeals and motions scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026 to upload all relevant court documents through the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) as part of efforts to fully digitalise judicial processes.

The directive was announced in a statement issued by the apex court and published on its official X account on Tuesday.

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Signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the statement said the directive is in line with Rule 10(1) of the Supreme Court Practice Direction, 2026.

According to the court, counsel are required to access the list of appeals and motions slated for hearing by visiting the Supreme Court’s official website, selecting the Litigation section, navigating to the Nigerian Case Management System and downloading the relevant case information.

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After confirming that their matters are listed for hearing, lawyers are expected to upload all relevant filed processes relating to the cases.

The required documents include the Record of Appeal, Briefs of Argument, pending motions and every other filed process connected to the appeal.

The Supreme Court stressed that all documents must be uploaded not later than 30 days before the scheduled hearing date, in accordance with the provisions of the Practice Direction.

The directive applies to every appeal and motion scheduled for hearing during the four-month period from September to December 2026.

The court said the measure is aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of its electronic case management platform and improving the efficiency of judicial proceedings.

“The Court urges all counsel to comply strictly with this requirement to facilitate the seamless operation of the Nigerian Case Management System and ensure the efficient and timely determination of cases,” Akanbi said.

The Nigerian Case Management System forms part of the judiciary’s ongoing reforms to digitise court operations, reduce delays in case management and improve access to judicial services.