In a significant legislative move, the Nigerian Senate today advanced a bill to modernize the nearly 80-year-old Sheriff and Civil Process Act, seeking to transform Nigeria’s civil justice system by incorporating digital technology and strengthening enforcement of court judgments. The Senate passed the bill at the second reading stage, aiming to amend the outdated Cap Exit Law of 1945.

 Senator Idiat Oluranti, the bill's sponsor from Lagos West, emphasized that the current law is entrenched in antiquated methods that no longer suit the demands of today’s judiciary. Speaking in support of the proposed amendment, Lawmakers stressed that statutes must evolve and hailed the bill as a critical step toward making the justice system more efficient and transparent.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, with a report due in four weeks.The successful modernization of this law promises to close the gap between Nigeria’s evolving judicial practices and the archaic laws governing civil processes, bringing justice administration into the digital era.