Adedokun, KareemRaji AbdullateefRaji Khalid OlatunjiMuhammed Abubakar Yinusa2024-04-182024-04-182021Adedokun, K., Raji, A., RAJI, Khalid O., Muhammed, A. Y. (2021). Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Nigerian legal system: a blessing in disguise? Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 6(2), 89-96.2788-8169https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/12279As the world came to terms with the reality of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a series of rippling effects were set in motion. As agitations for social distancing and calls to flatten the curve of infection spiralled, the world came to a resounding halt, impeding the functionality of social institutions. With the world gradually returning to normalcy, a need arises to study the precise impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific social institutions. This study examined the various ways the COVID-19 affected the Nigerian legal system. Adopting a secondary method of data collection, the study consulted research works and other sources of empirical information on COVID-19 and the legal system. The study found that by failing to declare a state of emergency, the enacted lockdown infringed upon citizens’ right to move freely as detailed in the Nigerian constitution. The study further found that the pandemic exposed weaknesses of Nigerian legal system in remote hearing and digitalisation of court procedures. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Nigerian government should uphold the legalities of the constitution. The study also recommended for intensified efforts by the government to digitalize the legal system in line with international standards.enCorina virus disease (COVID-19)lockdownlegal systemNigeriaremote hearingArticle