On Wednesday, Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice, announced the federal government’s commitment to revolutionizing justice service delivery in Nigeria through the adoption of digital technology.
This declaration was made during the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat, themed “Strengthening Justice Sector ServiceJustice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation, and Coordinated Reform,” held in Maiduguri.
Fagbemi commended the progress made in the justice sector in Borno State, highlighting the launch of the Borno State e-Justice project in collaboration with Law Pavilion, which has established the state as a leader in digital transformation.
“With initiatives like the Case Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal proceedings, Borno is at the forefront of enhancing efficiency and transparency in judicial service delivery,” he remarked.
He noted that under Governor Babagana Zulum’s leadership, Borno has become a model of resilience and renewal.
“You have demonstrated that governance is about solutions rather than slogans, results rather than rhetoric. Your elevated standard of leadership illustrates that innovative ideas, when combined with courage and action, can indeed transform societies despite challenges.”
In a state that has faced significant adversities, Fagbemi praised the application of innovative thinking, sound judgment, and data-driven policies, which have yielded visible improvements.
The Attorney General emphasized the importance of updating the nation’s legal frameworks to embrace innovation and investing in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data management for legal professionals.
“By nurturing a culture of innovation and harnessing the transformative potential of technology, we can establish a justice system that is more efficient, accessible, and equitable for all Nigerians,” Fagbemi stated.
Governor Zulum, in his remarks, reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with the federal government, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to enhance reforms within the state justice system, particularly at the grassroots level.
He underscored the necessity of technological deployment to expedite justice delivery, ensuring transparency and accountability to citizens, noting that Borno has already embraced digital technology to address gaps in justice delivery.
“In Borno State, we are witnessing the benefits of digital tools in enhancing case tracking and enabling virtual court sessions, which improve prison decongestion and facilitate access to legal aid, especially in underserved areas.”
This focus on justice is particularly crucial for Borno, as the state continues to recover from a prolonged insurgency and humanitarian crisis.
“Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust, and restoring the social contract,” Zulum asserted.
He highlighted the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively tackle challenges such as terrorism and corruption, resolve land disputes, and attract investments for societal improvement.
“I urge all policymakers, jurists, administrators, and stakeholders present to view coordination as a moral imperative rather than a mere procedural matter. Our citizens deserve a functional system, free from delays, duplications, and inefficiencies.”
Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, also spoke, stating that the retreat’s theme is timely and relevant.
She remarked that the demands of a modern democratic society and a rapidly evolving world necessitate new methods of operation. The retreat serves as a platform for strategic dialogue, practical learning, and collaborative progression.
“Participants will evaluate current systems, identify strengths and weaknesses, and plan the resources and strategies required for impactful reform.
“Technology can act as a powerful catalyst for positive change. Digital tools can streamline processes, enhance case management efficiency, and increase transparency.
“It is imperative that we take proactive steps to support the adoption of innovations that can reduce delays and make justice more accessible for everyone,” Jedy-Agba concluded.
(NAN)
