Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, has reiterated his dedication to collaborating with the federal government, the National Assembly, and various stakeholders to advance comprehensive reforms within the state’s justice system, with a particular focus on grassroots improvements.
This pledge was made during the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat, which took place at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum emphasized, “Borno State remains steadfast in partnering with the Federal Government, Judiciary, National Assembly, and development agencies to deepen justice sector reforms, especially at the community level.”
He highlighted the critical role of technology in accelerating justice delivery, enhancing transparency, and ensuring accountability to the public. Borno State has already embraced digital solutions to close gaps in justice access.
“Our experience in Borno demonstrates how digital innovations have improved case monitoring and facilitated virtual court sessions, contributing to reduced prison overcrowding and expanded legal aid services in remote locations. When implemented effectively, technology can bridge the divide between urban and rural justice systems,” the governor explained.
He further noted the significance of justice as a pillar for healing and rebuilding trust in a state recovering from prolonged insurgency and humanitarian challenges. “Justice must underpin the restoration of social cohesion and the rebuilding of community confidence,” he added.
Governor Zulum also called for enhanced institutional cooperation and synchronized reforms to tackle terrorism, corruption, land disputes, and to attract investments that foster societal progress.
“I urge all policymakers, legal experts, administrators, and stakeholders present to view coordination not merely as a procedural necessity but as an ethical obligation. Our citizens deserve a justice system free from delays, redundancies, and inefficiencies,” he asserted.
The retreat, themed “Enhancing Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation, and Coordinated Reform,” underscored the vital role of digital tools in expediting judicial processes.
Among the attendees were Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN representing Borno Central, APC State Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa, Solicitor General of the Federation Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, leaders of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Justice, as well as key state officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Acting Chief of Staff, State Attorney-General, members of the State Executive Council, and other senior government representatives.
In his address, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), praised Governor Zulum’s transformative and people-focused initiatives within the justice sector.
“Your leadership has profoundly impacted the justice system. The launch of the Borno State e-Justice project, in collaboration with Law Pavilion, has positioned the state as a leader in digital transformation. Tools like the Case Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking have set new standards for efficiency and transparency in judicial services,” Fagbemi remarked.
He added, “Borno State under your guidance exemplifies resilience and renewal. Your governance transcends slogans, focusing instead on practical solutions and tangible outcomes. You have raised the bar for leadership by proving that courageous, action-driven ideas can transform communities, regardless of the challenges faced.”
“Despite enduring some of the nation’s most severe trials, you have resisted despair, opting instead for innovative strategies, prudent decision-making, and data-informed policies, with results that are evident to all,” he continued.
The Attorney General also emphasized the necessity of modernizing Nigeria’s legal frameworks to accommodate these technological advancements, alongside investing in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data management for legal professionals.
“By nurturing a culture of innovation and harnessing technology’s transformative potential, we can establish a justice system that is more efficient, accessible, and equitable for every Nigerian,” he concluded.
