The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to adequate, sustainable budgetary provisions that would make the judiciary discharge its functions unhindered as required in a democratic rule.
In addition, the AGF assured the commitment of the executive arm of the government to working closely with leadership of the judiciary to advance and promote the review of court rules to establish clearer and more robust frameworks for the authority of Chief Registrars.
Fagbemi who spoke on Wednesday as Chairman of the 2026 Strategic Retreat of the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria, further assured of support for reforms in the judiciary, designed to strengthen service delivery and enhance the effective administration of justice.
The AGF said that the retreat came at a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, when citizens are demanding faster justice delivery, stronger accountability and modern governance.
He described Chief Registrars of Courts as the “institutional backbone” of the judiciary, noting that they serve as the first point of contact for court users and play a decisive role in shaping public perception of the justice system.
“Where the registry falters, the administration of justice is inevitably impeded,” he said, adding that registrars stand at the intersection between constitutional ideals and the lived experience of Nigerians seeking justice.
The AGF stressed the need for continuous professional development, citing the rapid evolution of court administration through electronic filing, digital case management, financial technology and data security. He warned that failure to adapt could lead to professional obsolescence.
Highlighting reforms underway, Fagbemi said the Federal Ministry of Justice is promoting initiatives such as the Enterprise Content Management System and the Performance Management System, while encouraging registries to embrace e-filing, automated case management and transparent cause list administration.
He also called for consideration of expanded procedural authority for Nigerian registrars, drawing examples from other common law jurisdictions where registrars handle certain procedural decisions to ease judges’ workload and accelerate justice delivery.
On financial accountability, Fagbemi said transparent and lawful management of court revenues is a constitutional obligation, adding that future constitutional amendments may introduce clearer provisions on the responsibilities and accountability of Chief Registrars.
Addressing staff welfare, he noted a direct link between staff wellbeing and court performance, calling for adequate remuneration, safe work environments, training opportunities and clear career paths.
The retreat, organised by the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria, is expected to produce practical recommendations on court administration, accountability and staff wellbeing.
Participants include Chief Registrars from courts across the federation, senior judicial officers and stakeholders in the justice sector.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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