Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital Court Building, signalling a renewed push towards faster, technology-driven justice delivery and strengthened judicial independence. The initiative, according to the governor, aligns with his administration’s broader reform agenda aimed at modernising governance and entrenching financial autonomy for the judiciary.

Akahi News learnt that the commissioning coincided with the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Enugu State Judiciary, held at the Enugu State Judicial Complex.

Digital Courts to Fast-Track Justice Delivery

Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah described the digital courthouse as a “giant step” towards improving access to justice and reducing delays in the judicial process.

He explained that the integration of technology, combined with judicial financial autonomy already in force in the state, would ensure that the judiciary remains not only independent in structure but effective in practice.

According to the governor, the newly inaugurated complex houses four ultra-modern court halls designed to decongest existing facilities, improve working conditions for judicial officers, and enhance the dignity and efficiency of court proceedings.

“These court halls are not merely physical structures; they are purpose-built facilities equipped with digital recording systems, smart displays, secure data connectivity, and ergonomic designs that meet contemporary standards for modern courts,” the governor stated.

Akahi News gathered that the digital infrastructure is expected to support real-time documentation, improve record accuracy, and significantly reduce case backlogs that often slow down justice delivery in many states.

Judiciary Launches Comprehensive Digital Justice Platform

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, urged judicial officers to uphold integrity, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, describing the judiciary as the “last hope of the common man.”

He disclosed that the state judiciary had embarked on a wide-ranging reform programme focused on rethinking how cases are filed, processed, heard, recorded, and concluded.

“Today, we formally launch a digital justice platform that redefines how cases are managed across the judiciary and justice sector institutions,” Justice Ozoemena said.

He noted that the transformation covers the High Court of Justice, Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Magistrates’ Court, Customary Courts, Multi-Door Courthouse, Ministry of Justice, as well as public-facing services such as the Probate Division and Affidavit Sections.

Observers believe that this digital transition could place Enugu among leading states adopting judicial technology reforms in Nigeria. Akahi News learnt that similar reforms in other jurisdictions have helped reduce corruption risks, enhance transparency, and improve public trust in the justice system.

Attorney-General Commends Governor’s Reform Drive

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze, praised Governor Mbah’s sustained investment in the justice sector, describing it as a pillar for good governance, economic growth, and social stability.

He revealed that the Ministry of Justice had partnered with the judiciary to roll out innovative solutions such as e-Litigation, e-Affidavit, Virtual Court Hearings, e-Probate, and e-Lis Pendens systems, many of which are currently in advanced testing stages.

Additional improvements include full electronic filing, assessment, payment, and assignment of cases, alongside the recruitment and training of 39 verbatim court reporters to enhance courtroom transcription accuracy.

Akahi News gathered that these reforms are expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks, cut costs for litigants, and improve efficiency across the justice delivery chain.

What It Means for Governance and Citizens

Analysts believe that the combination of digital courts and financial autonomy could strengthen institutional independence and accountability within the judiciary. A faster, more transparent justice system is also likely to improve investor confidence and public trust in state institutions.

While public reactions online have largely commended the initiative as progressive, some observers have raised questions about ceremonial costs and sustainability. Nevertheless, many see the project as a practical step towards aligning Enugu’s judiciary with global best practices.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with judicial delays and infrastructural deficits, initiatives like this could serve as a model for other states seeking long-term reform.

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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