Borno State launches e-Justice Project, Partners LawPavilion

L-R: His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Zulum, CON, the Executive Governor of Borno State; Mr. Ope Olugasa, CEO of LawPavilion and Consultant to the e-Justice Project; Mrs. Hauwa Abubakar, the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Borno State; and Mr. Zanna Hamza, the Chairman of NBA Maiduguri Branch, at the formal launching of the Borno State e-Justice and Digital Transformation Plan in Maiduguri recently.

The Borno State Ministry of Justice, through its digital transformation initiatives, has launched a landmark e-Justice project in collaboration with LawPavilion, marking a decisive shift in how justice is administered in the State. The event, which was held at the Government Secretariat in Maiduguri, was graced by His Excellency, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum MNI, FNSE, CON, who unveiled the initiative, signaling a new era where efficiency, transparency, and technology converge to deliver justice that is timely, accessible, and data-informed.

What began as a modest plan to establish an e-Library has since evolved into a comprehensive transformation, spanning digital infrastructure, physical workspace upgrades, and internal organizational reforms. The journey has redefined the Ministry’s identity with the development of a new mission, vision, and core values reflective of a forward-facing justice institution.

According to the Honorable Attorney General, Hauwa Abubakar Isa Esq, “The Ministry is aligning itself with global standards to ensure that legal professionals in Borno State are well positioned to meet the realities of a rapidly advancing world”. She further explained that the newly launched Case Management System (CMS) simplifies workflow, enhances access to justice, and improves overall efficiency. The Case Management System also features tailored dashboards for the Attorney General, Solicitor General, Directors and State Counsel, enabling real-time performance tracking, accountability, and data-driven oversight of legal workflows across departments. One of the standout innovations is the Mail Tracking System, an automated workflow management system that ensures every process or request for advice directed to the Ministry of Justice is digitally time-stamped, assigned, and meticulously tracked from the Office of the Attorney General all through the system to the State Counsel and back. This meticulous tracking guarantees that all activities adhere to designated turnaround times, significantly enhancing the quality of legal service delivery across the state. Alongside it is the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Platform, an inter-agency digital platform that will offer real-time oversight of the entire criminal justice process—from arrest to correction—across all stakeholders. The Honorable AG expressed gratitude to the Governor, as well as to the Ministry’s directors and staff, for their unwavering support in executing these reforms. Speaking further, she appreciated the foundation laid down by previous Attorneys General in Borno State, making it possible for the current team to build on their successes.

The Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, described the Case Management System as a significant milestone in the State’s judicial history, noting its potential to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice. He urged the Governor to continue supporting the Attorney General’s efforts and called for a comprehensive review of the State’s laws to reflect modern standards and realities.

In response, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to the Ministry’s ongoing transformation. “The Honorable Attorney General, Hauwa Abubakar, has demonstrated her competence through remarkable achievements. Her dedication is making a positive and lasting impact on the justice system in Borno”, he stated. He further pledged to prioritize law reform and continuous training of legal personnel to sustain institutional growth.

The Technology partner, LawPavilion, played a central role in powering the Ministry’s transformation, providing the digital architecture for the e-Library, Case Management System, and other digital initiatives to aid speedy dispute resolution and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Borno State. According to the MD/CEO, Ope Olugasa, “our mission to equip the justice system to enable people and businesses achieve their potential stems from our belief that the rule of law is not just an ideal, but a fundamental infrastructure required for national prosperity. That is why we did not just come to Borno State to deliver a product, we came to walk with the team on a transformation journey, as a committed, strategic partner”.

Following the formal addresses, the Governor inspected the Ministry’s newly refurbished workspaces, unveiled the Citizens Mediation Centre, commissioned the e-Library, and officially launched the Ministry’s new logo, mission, vision, and core values. This transformation aligns with the Governor’s Borno State Development Plan, particularly the pillars of “Peace and Security” and “Rehabilitation and Resettlement”.

Directors and staff of the Ministry lauded the Attorney General’s leadership, describing her as visionary, diligent, and deeply committed to institutional growth. The occasion was attended by key stakeholders and Government dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Maiduguri Branch, Mr. Zanna Hamza.

With this launch, Borno State sets a precedent, proving that with strategic vision and the right partnerships, justice can be swifter, smarter, and more citizen-focused than ever before.