The National Industrial Court (NIC) officially opened its 2024/2025 legal year, with the Hon. President of the Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, Ph.D., OFR, reaffirming the Court’s commitment to swift and effective labour justice. In his address, Justice Kanyip emphasized the Court’s dedication to upholding global standards and enhancing digital solutions to streamline judicial processes.

Justice Kanyip highlighted improvements such as the electronic certified true copies portal and the final written addresses portal, which allow litigants and counsel to obtain certified copies of judgments and submit written addresses online, eliminating the need for physical discs or flash drives.

During the 2023/2024 legal year, the Court handled 8,608 cases, delivering 1,616 judgments, with 6,992 cases still pending. Justice Kanyip also urged the National Assembly to amend Section 291 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure retired judicial officers receive pensions equivalent to the salaries and allowances of their active counterparts.

He further acknowledged the elevation of three NIC judges to the Court of Appeal, strengthening labour law representation in the appellate court, and expressed regret over the passing of Justice E.N. Agbakoba. He noted that four states are currently unrepresented on the NIC Bench, with efforts underway to fill the vacancies.

The event also saw remarks from dignitaries, including Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who praised the NIC for fostering harmonious labour relations in Nigeria. Other notable speakers included Asiwaju Awomolo SAN, representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and Afam Osigwe SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, who called for further digitalization of the Court.

The ceremony was attended by top judicial figures, including justices from the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court, alongside registrars, lawyers, and members of the public.