END OF YEAR 2020 MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT TO STAFF

As we are about to end the year, and with the holidays around the corner, I think it desirable to address this message to the staff of our institution. The year 2020 has been a tumultuous year, marked by the Covid-19 pandemic with the initial disruptions to the work of the Court, particularly the Court sessions.

But with the disruptions also came an opportunity. The Covid-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to migrate to the deployment of virtual technology for Court sessions with two major benefits. This not only enabled the Court to continue the uninterrupted conduct of Court sessions without the risk of violating the Covid-19 related Protocols but also to improve access to justice for litigants coupled with the associated costs savings from the stoppage of travelling to the seat of the Court in Abuja.

Moreover, it has compelled the Court to accelerate the process for the deployment of the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) which will complement the virtual Court technology in promoting greater efficiency.

I therefore wish to thank staff for their tenacity which made these laudable achievements possible. For those who were either promoted, confirmed or joined, I wish to urge them to reciprocate the gesture of management with greater zeal and improved quality of work.

The year 2021 promises to be better based on external developments including the discovery and deployment of the Covid-19 vaccine. For the Court, the new office complex which the Court intends to move to within the first quarter of 2021 should provide a more congenial environment for improved performance.

In addition, the impending deployment of the ECMS in January is expected to engender an increase in the number of cases filed before the Court with the attendant demands on staff.

Therefore, as you observe your deserved rest after the rigours of the year 2020, I urge you to use the opportunity to reflect on the achievements for the outgoing year and ways you can further contribute to improving on the effectiveness of the Court. I expect that you return with renewed vigour to contribute your quota to the discharge of the mandate of the Court.
Once again, I want to wish on behalf of management to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2021.

JOYEUX NOËL ET BONNE ANNÉE
FELIZ NATAL E PRÓSPERO ANO NOVO