The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has pointed out that advancements in the justice sector stem largely from effective use of technology.
He made these comments on Wednesday in Abuja during the JusticeTechNG HACKATHON and Accelerator Demo Day.
Organized by the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Sector Reform, ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, Mr. Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, in partnership with JusticeTech Nigeria Ltd/Gte and Arravo Technology Ltd, the event saw participation from key stakeholders within the justice system alongside technology specialists.
During his speech, Fagbemi underscored that appropriately utilized technology could provide impactful solutions to issues such as case backlogs and delays, which often impede justice for many individuals.
He advocated that the implementation of such technologies ought to be deliberate and well-managed, emphasizing the need to uphold due process and respect the rights of all parties involved.
“It must ensure privacy and guard against unauthorized access to sensitive information. It should acknowledge and uphold institutional roles rather than imbalancing power dynamics,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the significance of JusticeTechNG in maintaining a balance between innovation and institutional integrity, the AGF asserted that under his stewardship, the Federal Ministry of Justice has progressed from discussions to tangible actions.
“We have made significant strides to integrate technology into the functioning of the justice sector, not merely as a trial or display but as a fundamental operational asset. A prime instance of our commitment is the rollout of the Electronic Content Management System (ECMS) within the Ministry.
“This initiative signifies a major public investment, representing the government's acknowledgment that building institutional strength necessitates both human capital and technological advancement.
“The ECMS aims to fundamentally enhance our ability to manage documents, preserve institutional knowledge amid changes in personnel, boost efficiency in legal and advisory functions, and reinforce accountability by providing auditable records of actions and decisions,” explained Fagbemi.
He clarified that the ECMS is not a trial initiative but an operational reform integrated into the Ministry's daily functions, intended to become the standard framework for future case management.
In his introductory remarks, Obiene, the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, reassured attendees that the accelerator program created for the justice sector is designed to endure beyond their tenure.
He highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's vision of investing in local businesses, stating, “We are encouraging greater investment and participation from our people.
“We hope that those involved in justice delivery will also engage actively. This involvement is set to enhance trust and access, allowing more individuals to embrace our vision. Our aspiration is to see increased investment and participation from our community.”
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