Fagbemi Urges Justice Ministry to Embrace Digital Transformation Aligned with Tinubu’s Reform Agenda

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has directed all departments, units, and directorates within the Federal Ministry of Justice to align their operations with key digital transformation frameworks, including the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), the National Policy on Justice, and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Fagbemi issued the directive during a top management retreat organised by the ministry on Thursday in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The retreat, themed “Positioning for Digital Transformation”, focused on modernising justice delivery through digital tools and strategies.

He emphasized that in a digital age where citizens increasingly rely on technology for accessing public services, the justice ministry must not fall behind. According to the minister, effective and timely service delivery can only be achieved by integrating digital solutions into the ministry’s operations.

“The justice sector is a key driver of national development,” Fagbemi stated. “Sustainable growth is impossible without access to justice, adherence to the rule of law, and a well-functioning legal system. Challenges such as delayed trials, overcrowded correctional facilities, and limited access to legal services must be addressed urgently using technology.”

Fagbemi called on the ministry to move beyond traditional practices and adopt innovative, data-driven, and agile governance models. He charged all departments and units to take proactive steps in implementing these reforms, highlighting the need for leadership that is both forward-thinking and technologically adept.

Declaring the retreat open, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno commended the Justice Minister’s reform efforts, noting that they resonate with his administration’s ARISE agenda. He said Akwa Ibom has made significant strides in digital governance, including the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Science and Digital Economy.

“In Akwa Ibom, we’ve embraced e-governance fully,” Governor Eno said. “Our processes are now more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective. In collaboration with our Ministry of Justice, we are currently developing a digital platform for managing civil and criminal litigation cases in real-time.”

In her welcome address, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, explained that the retreat aimed to strengthen institutional capacity in areas such as Electronic Content Management, digital case management, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence into legal workflows.