The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring adequate and sustainable budgetary allocations that enable the judiciary to function effectively, as required under democratic governance.
Speaking on Wednesday, the 21st of January, 2026, as Chairman of the 2026 Strategic Retreat of the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria, Fagbemi emphasized the executive’s dedication to collaborating with judicial leadership to advance reforms, particularly the review of court rules to create clearer and more robust frameworks for the authority of Chief Registrars.
Fagbemi assured participants of continued support for judicial reforms aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing the administration of justice.
He described the retreat as arriving at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic development, when citizens increasingly demand faster justice, stronger accountability, and modern governance.
Highlighting the critical role of Chief Registrars, the AGF called them the “institutional backbone” of the judiciary. He noted that they are often the first point of contact for court users and significantly influence public perception of the justice system.
“Where the registry falters, the administration of justice is inevitably impeded,” Fagbemi said, stressing that registrars operate at the intersection of constitutional ideals and the lived experiences of Nigerians seeking justice.
He underscored the importance of continuous professional development in the face of rapid technological advancements, including electronic filing, digital case management, financial technology, and data security, warning that failure to adapt could result in professional obsolescence.
Citing ongoing reforms, Fagbemi highlighted initiatives by the Federal Ministry of Justice, such as the Enterprise Content Management System and the Performance Management System, while encouraging registries to adopt e-filing, automated case management, and transparent administration of cause lists.
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He also urged consideration of expanded procedural authority for Nigerian registrars, pointing to practices in other common law countries where registrars manage certain procedural decisions to reduce judges’ workloads and accelerate justice delivery.
On financial accountability, Fagbemi emphasized that transparent and lawful management of court revenues is a constitutional duty, noting that future constitutional amendments may define more clearly the responsibilities and accountability of Chief Registrars.
Addressing staff welfare, he highlighted the link between employee wellbeing and court performance, calling for fair remuneration, safe working conditions, ongoing training, and clearly defined career pathways.
The retreat, organised by the Committee of Chief Registrars of Nigeria, is expected to generate practical recommendations on court administration, accountability, and staff welfare. Attendees include Chief Registrars from across the federation, senior judicial officers, and other key stakeholders in the justice sector.