The Federal Ministry of Justice has revealed plans to fully reposition itself through technology and digital transformation as part of measures to strengthen justice delivery across Nigeria. Speaking at the ministry’s top management retreat in Ikot Ekpene, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that the justice sector must embrace innovation to effectively respond to the increasing legal demands and societal pressures confronting the nation. He noted that the theme of the retreat, “Positioning for Digital Transformation,” reflects the urgent need to keep the wheels of justice in motion by integrating modern technology into judicial processes.
Fagbemi further explained that the criminal justice system faces several longstanding challenges, including inadequate access to justice, overcrowded correctional facilities, trial delays, and other systemic inefficiencies. According to him, only technology-driven solutions such as electronic case management, real-time monitoring, and digitized workflows can adequately address these issues and restore public confidence in the justice sector. He stressed that justice remains a catalyst for national development, insisting that no sustainable growth can be achieved without respect for the rule of law and a strong justice system.
Also speaking, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, stated that the retreat was designed to deepen institutional capacity in electronic content management and digital case tracking, while also preparing the ministry to integrate Artificial Intelligence into legal operations. She said the platform would strengthen collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and reform ownership within the ministry, especially as the government moves to implement the revised National Policy on Justice and the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025).
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who declared the retreat open, commended the ministry for its forward-looking approach, adding that embracing digital innovations would reduce the stress associated with justice administration, speed up trials, and help decongest custodial centers nationwide. He described the initiative as timely, noting that participants would return revitalized and better equipped to deliver improved service.
The retreat underscores the Federal Ministry of Justice’s renewed commitment to modernizing the country’s justice system by prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and access through the adoption of digital tools.
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