8th April, 2024
By Sam Akinrole
Access to justice is a fundamental pillar of any civilized society. It ensures that legal rights are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools for citizens seeking remedies. Unfortunately, Nigeria faces several challenges in this critical area. Let’s delve into these issues and explore how technology can help solve these problems.
Many of the challenges of access to justice in Nigeria include but are not limited to;
Delays and Adjournments: The adjudicatory process in Nigeria suffers from long delays and frequent adjournments. These inefficiencies hinder timely resolution of disputes and erode public trust in the legal system.
Technicalities and Corruption: Over-reliance on legal technicalities, coupled with corruption, undermines justice delivery. The system must prioritize substance over form and eliminate corrupt practices.
Infrastructure and Congestion: Collapsing infrastructure affects court proceedings and prison conditions. Overcrowded courts and prisons exacerbate the problem, denying citizens their right to swift justice.
Legal Awareness and Poverty: Many Nigerians lack awareness of their legal rights. Poverty prevents them from accessing legal services, perpetuating inequality.
Legal-tech, the intersection of law and technology, holds immense potential in enhancing access to justice. Legal-tech tools can provide accessible and user-friendly platforms where individuals can access legal information, learn about their rights, and understand legal processes. AI-powered chatbots can answer common legal queries instantly, guiding users through legal concepts and procedures.
Also ODR platforms can allow parties to resolve disputes online, minimizing delays and costs associated with physical court appearances. In regard to cost, Legaltech can offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional legal services, making justice more affordable for all. Essentially, embracing legal-tech can democratize access to justice, empower citizens, and transform the legal landscape for the better.
An example of a Nigerian platform that is championing and bridging the access to justice gap with technology is Legalnaija. Founded by Adedunmade Onibokun, a lawyer and legaltech founder, Legalnaija is at the forefront of change. Legalnaija bridges the gap between law and technology by;
Providing legal information, resources, and updates and empowering citizens with knowledge about their rights and obligations, thereby fostering legal awareness.
Efficient Legal Services: Legalnaija streamlines legal processes, making them more efficient. Users can access legal services from lawyers across the country, customize legal document through its available templates and connect even resolve disputes via ODR thus reducing delays and costs.
Through an AI-powered chatbot, it also provides instant legal information, guiding users through basic legal queries. These bots are accessible, free, and available 24/7.
Adedunmade Onibokun’s legaltech startup www.legalnaija.com exemplifies the transformative potential of technology in enhancing access to justice. By embracing tech-driven solutions, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and ensure that justice is not just a promise but a reality for all citizens.
-Sam Akinrole wrote in from Lagos
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