Zulum Pledges Legal Reform To Deepen Justice System

Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the federal government, National Assembly and other partners to deepen reforms in the state justice system, especially at the grassroots.

Governor Zulum made the commitment yesterday at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.

“I reaffirm Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to deepen reforms in our justice system, especially at the grassroots level,” Zulum stated.

The governor stressed the need for the deployment of technology which will make justice delivery faster, transparent and accountable to the  citizenry, noting that Borno State had already adopted the use of digital technology to bridge justice delivery gap.

“In Borno State, we are already witnessing how digital tools have enhanced case tracking, enabling virtual court sittings, thus improving prison decongestion and streaming access to legal aid especially in hard-to-reach areas. If deployed strategically, technology can bridge the gap between rural and urban justice access.

“This is particularly important in Borno State where we continue to recover from a protracted insurgency and humanitarian crisis. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust and restoring the social contract”, he remarked.

The governor emphasised the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively confront the menace of terrorism, corruption, resolving land disputes and securing investments for a better society.

“I urge all of us here as policymakers, jurists, administrators and stakeholders to see  coordination not as a procedural matter, but as a moral imperative. Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies,” he further said.

The retreat themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation and Co-ordinated Reform” underscores the importance of deployment of digital tools to fast track judicial process.

The event was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; APC state chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, chairman/CEO NDLEA, Brig. Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, heads of  agencies under Federal Ministry of Justice. Others include Secretary to the State Government, head of Service, acting chief of staff, the state attorney-general, members of the state executive council, and other top government officials.

The attorney general and minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in his remarks lauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s people-centred transformation and reforms in the justice sector.

“Just like other sectors, your impact in the justice sector has been profound. The launch of Borno State e-Justice project in partnership with Law Pavilion has positioned the state as a pacesetter in digital transformation. With tools such as the Case Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal processes, Borno is pioneering efficiency and transparency in judicial service delivery,” Fagbemi stated.

“Borno under your leadership has become a case study in resilience and renewal. You have shown that governance is not about slogans but about solutions; not about rhetoric but about results. You have elevated the standard of leadership by demonstrating that ideas, when backed by courage and action, can transform societies, no matter the odds.

“In a state that has endured some of the toughest trials in our nation’s history, you did not succumb to despair. Instead, you applied

innovative thinking, sound judgment, and a data-driven approach to policy and the results are visible to all,” he added.

The attorney general called for the need to update the nation’s legal frameworks to support these innovations and invest in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data management for the professionals.

“By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging the transformative power of technology, we can build a justice system that is more efficient, more accessible, and more equitable for all Nigerians,” he concluded.