Abia Government Launches Digital Justice System To Enhance Legal Services
The Abia State Government has commenced the digitalization of its justice delivery system to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in legal proceedings.
State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwanna, announced the initiative on Tuesday during a press briefing in Umuahia, following a State Executive Council meeting.
According to Mr. Uwanna, the digital transformation will be implemented in phases, starting with the scanning and indexing of court documents across various judicial levels, including the Probate Registry, High Court, Magistrate’s Court, and Customary Court.
“The first phase involves scanning and securely storing all court documents in a central digital system, ensuring quick and easy access within seconds,” he explained.
A major component of the project is the introduction of an e-filing system that will allow lawyers to prepare and submit legal documents remotely via a central judiciary website.
“This system will enable lawyers and litigants to access justice more efficiently, including making online payments for court filings, affidavits, and oath commissions,” Uwanna said.
Additionally, the system will facilitate the electronic or physical service of court processes to litigants and their legal representatives, while hearings will be conducted both virtually and in person.
To further enhance judicial efficiency, the government plans to introduce transcription facilities in courtrooms, eliminating the need for judges to write in longhand.
“The current manual writing system slows down proceedings and affects judges’ health. With transcription technology, everything said in court will be recorded and transcribed instantly,” Uwanna noted.
Judgments will also be delivered physically or virtually, and certified true copies will be available for online application and electronic delivery.
As part of the digitalization effort, the state government is constructing modern court halls across the 17 local government areas. These facilities are designed with renewable energy solutions and optimized for natural lighting.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the contractors would complete the court halls on schedule.
Furthermore, the government is collaborating with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria to ensure proper sensitization and seamless adoption of the digital system by judicial workers.
“We are committed to transforming the justice system with technology to make legal services more efficient and accessible,” Uwanna affirmed.
