AGF Urges Judiciary to Harness Technology to Fast-Track Justice

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on leaders and personnel in Nigeria’s justice sector to embrace technology and innovation as a means to reduce case backlogs and make the judiciary more transparent, fair, and accessible.

Fagbemi made the appeal on Wednesday at the opening of the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat, held in Maiduguri, Borno State. The retreat, themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation, and Coordinated Reform,” brought together senior judicial officers, prosecutors, legal advisers, and policymakers.

The AGF highlighted that technology could streamline judicial procedures, enhance prediction of case outcomes, and allow human resources to focus on more complex legal matters. He identified tools such as digital case management systems, artificial intelligence in legal research, online access to legal services, and transparent dispute resolution platforms as key to improving efficiency in the justice system.

“As custodians of the law, we must not only embrace this wave of change but lead it. Prosecutors, legal advisers, regulators, and policymakers must champion reforms that make justice faster, fairer, and more accessible,” Fagbemi said.

He added that citizens are increasingly demanding a justice system that is not only fair but also responsive and effective. “The future of Nigeria’s legal system will be defined by how boldly the justice sector integrates technology into the pursuit of justice,” he noted, stressing the need for investments in digital literacy, cyber security, and data management alongside legal reforms and collaboration with the private sector.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who was also present, emphasized the need for coordinated reforms across the judiciary, law enforcement, correctional services, legal aid, and customary systems to eliminate inefficiencies and ensure a unified justice system.

“Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies,” Governor Zulum said.