As part of activities marking its Golden Jubilee, the Court of Appeal has listed a total of 360 appeals for hearing during a special court session in Lagos, in a strategic move to reduce the mounting volume of cases at the division.
The special sitting, presided over by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, underscores the court’s deliberate and sustained commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice, particularly at the Lagos Division, which handles a substantial share of litigation nationwide due to its status as the commercial hub of the country.
To effectively manage the exercise, the court constituted 16 panels comprising 40 Justices drawn from various divisions of the Court of Appeal across the country.
The panels will sit throughout the week, with hearings taking place at both the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, and the National Industrial Court Complex, ensuring optimal use of available judicial facilities and resources.
Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that all 360 appeals listed for the special sitting are ripe for hearing and urged legal practitioners and litigants to fully cooperate with the court by ensuring that their processes are properly filed and free from defects capable of delaying proceedings.
She emphasised that the exercise is aimed at decongesting the court’s docket, fast-tracking the determination of appeals, and reinforcing public confidence in the appellate justice system, while also providing Justices from other divisions an opportunity to engage with the diverse range of appeals typically handled in Lagos.
The special sitting forms a key highlight of the Court of Appeal’s 50th anniversary celebrations and reflects its ongoing resolve to deliver justice promptly and efficiently.
