The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the Federal Ministry of Justice to fully integrate digital transformation into its operations, aligning with national policy directives to improve the delivery of justice in Nigeria.
Speaking at a management retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Fagbemi stressed the critical role of technology in reforming the justice system.
He emphasized that digital innovation is essential for achieving efficient, transparent, and timely service delivery, noting that the ministry can no longer rely on outdated manual processes.
He identified the urgent need to address persistent challenges such as limited access to justice, prison congestion, delays in trials, and systemic inefficiencies.
According to the minister, these issues require immediate, technology-driven responses that reflect evolving public expectations and the need for modern governance.
Fagbemi called for proactive leadership and innovation across all departments of the ministry, urging them to implement data-driven strategies that align with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, the National Policy on Justice, and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He underscored that embracing digital transformation is not merely about meeting policy requirements but about showing strategic foresight and agility in governance.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who formally opened the retreat, expressed support for the federal reform efforts.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to digital governance and revealed that the state is developing a digital case management system to streamline legal proceedings.
This, he said, is part of broader efforts to align with national initiatives and improve service delivery at the state level.
In her welcome address, Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, said the retreat was designed to build institutional capacity and equip justice officials with the tools needed for a seamless transition into a digital-first environment.
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