The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured the Federal Government’s support for efforts and measures aimed at reforming the nation’s justice delivery system for improved performance.
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Fagbemi identified the challenges currently plaguing the system, noting that improved deployment of tailor-made technology would go a long way in addressing existing problems.
The AGF spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at an event tagged JusticeTechNG HACKATHON and Accelerator Demo Day.
The event, which was organised by the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Sector Reform, ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, in collaboration with JusticeTech Nigeria Ltd/Gte and Arravo Technology Ltd, attracted justice stakeholders and tech experts.
Fagbemi said, “The justice system in Nigeria, like justice systems throughout the world, is under considerable pressure. Case backlogs persist in our courts, creating delays that amount to a denial of justice for many citizens.
“Data remains fragmented across multiple agencies and jurisdictions, preventing the kind of integrated analysis that could inform better policy-making and resource allocation.
“Processes are still largely manual in many areas, consuming time and resources that could be better deployed in the actual administration of justice. These challenges affect citizens first and most directly.
“A mother seeking maintenance for her children waits years for a judgment. A business seeking to enforce a contract faces uncertainty that undermines planning and investment.
“A criminal defendant languishes in pretrial detention far beyond any reasonable period. But these challenges also affect investor confidence, as uncertainty in contract enforcement and dispute resolution creates risk premiums that drive capital elsewhere.
“They affect public trust in the entire justice system, as citizens conclude that justice is available only to those with resources, connections, or patience, he said
The AGF explained that JusticeTechNG was designed to solve a real and persistent problem that has plagued not only Nigeria but justice systems across the developing world.
The AGF, who noted that technology, when properly deployed, offers powerful tools to address these gaps, however, cautioned the deployment of technology must be intentional and carefully managed.
Fagbemi, who said JusticeTechNG reflects the necessary balance between innovation and institutional integrity, said the deployment of technology in the justice sector must respect due process and the rights of parties.
“It must protect privacy and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information. It must recognise and preserve institutional roles rather than centralizing power inappropriately,” he said.
The AGF, while that the JusticeTechNG initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s development agenda, assured that the Federal Ministry of Justice under his watch remained committed to comprehensive reforms that strengthen the justice sector, empower young Nigerians, and uphold the rule of law.
He added, “This commitment is reflected in budgetary allocations, in policy initiatives, in partnerships with stakeholders across the justice sector, and in programmes like JusticeTechNG that create concrete pathways for talent and innovation to contribute to institutional development. “
The President of the Appeal Court, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was optimistic that the deployment of technology would enhance the operations of the courts.
Represented by Justice Okon Abang (of the Court of Appeal), Justice Dongban-Mensem said:”The best tech tool for the justice sector should be user-friendly and be able to solve adjudication-related challenges.”
The Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shaibu Salisu, Justice Olayinka Faji (of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of Borno State, and Justice Kashim Zannah hailed the initiative.
Speaking earlier, Marcus-Obiene said the accelerator programme, which is tailored for the justice sector, will outlive current players in the sector.
He added, “The move is in line with President Bola Tinubu, who believes in Nigeria investing in Nigerian businesses.
“We are getting our people to invest more and participate more. We want the justice centre and the pectoral actors to show interest too. The outcome will improve credibility and access and make people buy into the vision. We are hoping that our people will invest more and participate more.
“We are also given prices ranging from N10 million, N7 million, and N5 million for the first, second, and third position, respectively, in the Hackathon,” Obiene said.
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