Fagbemi Launches Digital Reform to Speed Up Nigerian Justice

The long-standing culture of manual filing and bureaucratic delays within Nigeria’s legal system faced a decisive challenge this week as the Federal Ministry of Justice officially transitioned to a digital era. Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, unveiled the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in Abuja, signaling a radical departure from the paper-heavy processes that have historically slowed the wheels of justice.

Speaking at the launch, Fagbemi emphasized that the move is not merely a technical upgrade but a core pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. The Attorney General framed the initiative as a direct response to the public’s demand for a more responsive and accountable legal framework. By digitizing the Ministry’s inner workings, the government aims to eliminate the physical bottlenecks that often lead to lost files and protracted legal bottlenecks.

The ECMS serves as an all-encompassing digital platform designed to manage the lifecycle of official documents. It allows for the electronic creation, approval, and storage of legal papers, ensuring that information is both secure and instantly retrievable. According to Fagbemi, this transition is a cornerstone of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP25), which seeks to modernize the Nigerian workforce by 2025.

Fagbemi noted that the shift to a paperless environment is a governance reform intended to strengthen institutional memory. In an era where data is paramount, the ability to track workflows and enforce discipline in document handling is expected to improve decision-making at the highest levels. He noted that the goal is to build a justice sector that is modern, efficient, and, most importantly, citizen-driven.

The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, provided a glimpse into the massive logistical effort behind the digital shift. She revealed that in just eight weeks, the Ministry successfully scanned and uploaded over 6,241 physical files. This mammoth task involved converting more than 331,000 pages into the 1Gov Enterprise Content Management System, ensuring that decades of legal history are now preserved in a digital vault.

Beyond the hardware and software, the Ministry has focused on human capital to ensure the system’s success. Jeddy-Agba highlighted that every staff member has been assigned an official email address, and multiple tiers of digital skills training have been conducted. This ensures that the transition is not just a change in tools, but a change in the workplace culture itself.

The event also served as a moment to celebrate the physical modernization of the Ministry. Alongside the digital launch, Fagbemi inaugurated a suite of newly renovated facilities, including a staff clinic, a sports center, a creche, and a canteen. These improvements are part of a broader strategy to prioritize staff welfare, with the belief that a better work environment directly correlates with higher levels of professional excellence.

The presence of high-ranking officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and various Permanent Secretaries, underscored the cross-ministerial importance of this reform. The collaborative nature of the project was further highlighted by the Attorney General’s gratitude toward private sector partners, including the Aig-Imouekhede Foundation and legal experts from Olaniwun Ajayi & Co.

For the average Nigerian, the implications of this digital shift could be profound. A more efficient Ministry of Justice translates to faster processing of legal advice, more organized litigation, and a general reduction in the time it takes for justice to be served. By dismantling the era of manual, unstructured information management, the Ministry is attempting to align itself with international best practices for 21st-century governance.

As the ECMS goes live, the Ministry now faces the task of maintaining this digital momentum. The activation of “departmental champions” and the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures are intended to prevent a slide back into old habits. Fagbemi’s message remained clear: the standard for a modern justice sector has been set, and the focus must now remain on delivering timely, transparent outcomes for all Nigerians.