By Rafiyat Sadiq
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has charged officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice to embrace full digital transformation in order to strengthen justice delivery across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Ministry’s top management retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Fagbemi SAN said technology must drive reforms in the justice sector to meet public expectations, tackle delays, and address systemic inefficiencies such as congested correctional facilities and prolonged trials.
“The challenges of today demand that justice never sleeps,” he said, adding that “with growing legal demands and societal pressures, we must adopt innovative strategies to keep the wheels of justice continuously in motion.”
Mr Fagbemi outlined ongoing reforms, including the adoption of the Performance Management System (PMS), the deployment of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system, and the planned integration of AI-enabled legal tools.
He urged all departments and units in the Ministry to align with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025) and the National Policy on Justice.
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The minister also underscored the symbolic significance of hosting the retreat in Ikot Ekpene, describing the town as the “raffia city” historically renowned for producing wigs and gowns for Nigerian lawyers. He noted that for decades, the city clothed generations of barristers and senior advocates, thereby occupying “a special place in the annals of our nation’s legal history”.
In recognition of support for the ministry’s modernisation agenda, Mr Fagbemi commended Professor Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN) for donating 75 laptops to aid digitalisation. He also acknowledged contributions from the AIG Foundation and the RoLAC Programme towards justice sector reforms.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom was praised for providing facilities and hospitality for the retreat, while the minister assured staff of the Ministry of Justice of his commitment to their welfare and professional growth.
“The justice sector is a catalyst for national development,” Mr Fagbemi stressed. “There can be no sustainable growth without access to justice, respect for the rule of law, and a strengthened justice system.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
