Concerned by the surge in conflicting judicial judgments, the Federal Government declared its commitment to a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s justice system. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, announced this pledge during the opening of a two-day meeting of the Body of Attorneys-General (BOAG) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the rising complaints about recent court judgments, Fagbemi dismissed assertions that public confidence in the judiciary is at an all-time low. He emphasized that while challenges exist, efforts would be made to holistically address the identified gray areas in the justice system.
Addressing the proposal for separating the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) from that of the Minister of Justice, Fagbemi stated that the issue would be revisited at the appropriate time. He highlighted the historical rejection of this proposal in the past but indicated a willingness to reconsider it in the future.
Expressing concerns about the increasing debt profiles of both the federal government and state governments, Fagbemi revealed initiatives by the Federal Ministry of Justice to collaborate with specialist firms. The aim is to equip legal officers with the skills needed to identify potential disputes in Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and other binding agreements, thereby reducing litigation and arbitration costs.
During the meeting, Fagbemi urged the attendees, including Attorney Generals of the 36 states and Chairmen of Judiciary Committees in the National Assembly, to focus on strengthening the entire justice sector. He emphasized the importance of financial autonomy for the judiciary, the implementation of technology to automate court operations, and the need for a digital justice delivery system.
The AGF highlighted the ongoing efforts to convene a National Summit on Justice, aiming to examine current challenges within the justice sector and support critical reforms. He urged collaboration with the legislative arm of government for necessary law reforms and the development of new legislation to address gaps in the justice sector.
Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, emphasized the need for stakeholders to interact and devise creative solutions to challenges faced in Nigeria. Issues such as security, combating crimes, and improving access to justice were identified as areas requiring collaborative efforts for sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by Attorney Generals of the 36 states, as well as Chairmen of Judiciary Committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
