GOVERNOR IDRIS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO JUDICIAL REFORMS, DIGITAL JUSTICE AT NBA LAW WEEK 2026

GOVERNOR IDRIS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO JUDICIAL REFORMS, DIGITAL JUSTICE AT NBA LAW WEEK 2026




By Our Reporter 

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the judiciary, advancing justice sector reforms, and embracing technological innovation to enhance justice delivery in the state.

The Governor made this commitment on Monday while declaring open the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Birnin Kebbi Branch, popularly known as the Equity Bar. 
The event, held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi, was themed: “Justice Beyond Algorithms: Navigating Law and Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s Evolving Justice System.”
Governor Idris described the theme as timely and significant, noting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative tool shaping modern legal practice and justice administration globally. 
He commended the NBA for initiating discussions on emerging technologies and their implications for the legal profession.

The Governor highlighted several interventions undertaken by his administration since assuming office in 2023 to strengthen the justice sector. 
These include lifting the embargo on the recruitment of lawyers into the state civil service; increasing the Ministry of Justice’s budgetary allocation, enhancing robe allowances for legal officers, sponsoring lawyers for postgraduate studies and professional training, and providing operational vehicles for the Ministry of Justice, courts, and other judicial institutions.
He also noted that his administration enacted the Justice Sector Reform Team Law in 2023, bringing together critical stakeholders to improve coordination and efficiency within the justice system. 

According to him, significant investments have been made in renovating courts, constructing legal chambers, modernizing the Law Reform Commission, and installing solar-powered facilities in key judicial institutions to improve service delivery.

Governor Idris further disclosed that the state government has commenced the digitalization of the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice through the provision of digital libraries, computer facilities, legal applications, and case management systems. 

He assured that his administration would continue collaborating with the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, and other stakeholders to promote access to justice, safeguard judicial independence, and improve the welfare of judicial personnel.

Delivering the keynote address, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie, CFR, described the Law Week theme as visionary and forward-looking. She stressed that Artificial Intelligence is now a reality that legal practitioners and judicial officers cannot afford to ignore.

Justice Augie noted that while AI holds enormous potential to enhance legal research, case management, and access to justice, it also presents significant risks particularly the possibility of generating fabricated authorities and false legal citations. She cited examples from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where lawyers faced sanctions after relying on non-existent cases generated by AI tools.

The retired jurist emphasized that justice transcends technology and algorithms, insisting that AI must remain a tool that serves justice rather than replaces human judgment. She maintained that only human beings can exercise conscience, mercy, fairness, and moral reasoning, which are essential components of justice.

She therefore called for continuous training of judges, lawyers, and other justice sector stakeholders on the responsible use of AI, urging legal practitioners to verify every authority and citation before presenting them in court. According to her, the integrity of the justice system must never be sacrificed for speed or convenience.

In his address, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his remarkable support for the judiciary and the legal profession in Kebbi State. He described the Governor as a leader deeply committed to justice sector development, institutional reforms, and good governance.

The Minister observed that Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are rapidly transforming legal practice and justice administration worldwide. 

While acknowledging the opportunities technology offers in terms of efficiency, legal research, and access to justice, he stressed that it must never replace professional ethics, independent judgment, and the human conscience that underpin the justice system.

Prince Fagbemi urged lawyers, particularly younger practitioners, to embrace digital literacy and technological competence while remaining steadfast in integrity, diligence, and adherence to the rule of law. 

He also highlighted ongoing reforms by the Federal Ministry of Justice aimed at modernizing the justice sector and expanding access to justice across the country.

Earlier, in their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Junaidu Bello Marshal, the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umar Abubakar, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Y.C. Maikyau, SAN, and the Chairman of the NBA Birnin Kebbi Branch, Aminu Hassan, lauded Governor Nasir Idris for what they described as unprecedented support for the judiciary and legal profession in the state.

They particularly acknowledged the Governor’s investments in judicial infrastructure, capacity building, digitalization initiatives, welfare programmes, and logistical support, describing his administration as one of the most supportive of the justice sector in Kebbi State’s history. They expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would further strengthen justice delivery and enhance public confidence in the judiciary.

The event attracted eminent jurists, legal practitioners, judges, government officials, and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.

Responding to requests made by the Chairman of the NBA Birnin Kebbi Branch, Governor Nasir Idris graciously approved the provision of a bus for the association, as well as operational vehicles for High Court Judges and Khadis, further underscoring his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector in Kebbi State.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of meritorious awards to Governor Nasir Idris, Minister of Justice ,Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and rtd Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie, CFR.
The statement was issued and signed to newsmen by Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kebbi State

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