The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has emphasized the need for innovation and technology-driven reforms in the justice sector aimed at strengthening justice sector service delivery and coordinated reform.
Fagbemi made this emphasis in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat holding at the International Conference Centre, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri, Borno State from 17th – 18th September, 2025.
The retreat brought together critical institutions and agencies under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Justice to reflect, realign, and synergize towards enhancing the administration of justice in Nigeria. Participants were expected to discuss practical ways to leverage technology, enhance inter-agency partnerships, and drive reforms.
Fagbemi maintained that “True transformation requires coordinated reform across the entire justice sector. It is essential to dismantle silos and foster collaboration between institutions, and ensure citizens experience a seamless justice pathway. The future of Nigeria’s legal system will be defined by how boldly we integrate technology into the pursuit of justice.”
“This requires leadership, innovation, and above all, accountability. We must all acknowledge that we are the change makers and reform executors, charged with transformative leadership to ensure that citizens benefit from the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”. The HAGF added.
The HAGF stated that the retreat aimed to identify strengths and weaknesses in the current justice system and map out resources and strategies for meaningful reform. He also urged Participants to develop actionable recommendations to drive reforms and strengthen the justice sector.
The Attorney-General expressed gratitude to the Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum CON, mni, for hosting the retreat and to the Heads of Agencies, consultants, and resource persons for their contributions.
He further emphasised that the retreat marked a significant step towards building a more effective and efficient justice system in Nigeria. He noted that by fostering collaboration and coordination among justice sector agencies, the retreat aimed to enhance access to justice and promote the rule of law.
Fagbemi revealed that the recommendations and outcomes from the retreat would inform future reforms and initiatives in the justice sector maintaining that the Federal Ministry of Justice was committed to implementing the reforms and working towards a more just and equitable society that would engender transforming Nigeria’s justice sector and promoting a more efficient, accessible, and equitable justice system for all Nigerians.
While delivering his keynote address at the Leadership Retreat, His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, Executive Governor of Borno State, emphasized the need for coordinated reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector, highlighting the importance of technology, innovation, and collaboration in enhancing justice delivery.
“Citizens now demand faster, more transparent, and more accountable justice delivery. We cannot meet these expectations using outdated tools or fragmented systems. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust, and restoring the social contract”. Zulum opined.
The Governor’s remarks underscored the critical role of the justice sector in promoting peace, development, and protection of the vulnerable. He reaffirmed Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to deepen reforms in the justice system. He reiterated that the retreat provided a rare opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the justice system and act towards building a digital, dynamic, and responsive justice sector that leaves no one behind.
The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary (SGF/PS), Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON mni, in her welcome remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination among justice sector agencies. She stated that the theme of the retreat, Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation, and Coordinated Reform, underscored the need for a modern and effective justice system.
According to the SGF/PS, “True transformation requires coordinated reform across the entire justice sector. It is essential to dismantle silos and foster collaboration between the judiciary, law enforcement, and all relevant agencies. Citizens deserve a justice system that works for them—one that is transparent, accountable, and delivers timely and appropriate justice.” She concluded.
The retreat witnessed an impressive turn-out and attendance of members of the National Assembly, members of the Borno State Executive Council, members of the Borno State House of Assembly, representative of the Shehu of Borno, Directors and staff of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Heads of the Ministry’s Agencies namely National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Law School, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Law Reform Commission, Nigerian Copyright Commission and Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration as well as journalists and representatives of the media.
Signed
Aderemi Ajibola Adelabu
CI&PRO
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