Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a newly constructed Digital Court Building by his administration, describing the project as a major milestone in the state’s drive to prioritise efficient and timely justice delivery.
Governor Mbah said the integration of modern technology into judicial processes, combined with the financial autonomy already enjoyed by the judiciary in the state, would guarantee not just nominal independence but a truly effective and functional judicial system.
He stressed that the vision of his administration for the Enugu State Judiciary is one that must be independent, efficient, technology-driven, and people-centred in its operations.
The governor spoke while inaugurating the Digital Court Building during the ceremonies and special court session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Enugu State Judiciary, held on Monday at the Enugu State Judicial Complex in the state capital.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah said the theme of the ceremony, “Enugu State Judiciary: Ushering in a New Era of Efficient Justice Delivery through Technological Integration and Financial Autonomy,” perfectly aligned with his administration’s resolve to strengthen and modernise governance institutions from inception.
He explained that the four ultra-modern court halls were designed to decongest existing court 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.
“They represent our commitment to creating an enabling environment for justice delivery,” Mbah stated.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, reminded judicial officers that their constitutional role as the last hope of the common man imposes a duty of renewed commitment to the sanctity of the rule of law, absolute integrity, and zero tolerance for corruption.
Justice Ozoemena said the Enugu State Judiciary had embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda in the interest of the people, commending Governor Mbah for providing the judiciary with the critical support required to drive meaningful change.
“It became clear to us that meaningful reform would require more than incremental adjustments. What was needed was a comprehensive rethinking of how cases move through the justice system.
“Our need was met by the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who at the inception of his administration clearly identified the judiciary as an area of focus and promised transformative and innovative projects for the Judiciary.
“Today, we formally launch a digital justice platform that redefines how cases are filled, processed, heard, recorded and concluded in the Judiciary of Enugu State and across the justice sector institutions.
“This transformation covers the High Court of Justice, the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Magistrates’ Court, Customary Courts, the Multi-Door Courthouse, the Ministry of Justice, and key public-facing court services including the Probate Division and Affidavit Sections,” the Chief Judge said.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of Enugu State and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze, praised Governor Mbah for what he described as unprecedented and transformative support to the justice sector, noting that the reforms have positioned the sector as a critical pillar of good governance, economic development, and social order.
“In pursuit of the Governor’s vision for a tech-enabled Justice sector, the Ministry of Justice spearheaded a groundbreaking digitalisation drive in collaboration with the Enugu State Judiciary. Some notable achievements include innovative digital court solutions like e-Litigation System, e-Affidavit System, Virtual Court Hearing System, e-Probate and e-Lis Pendens (all currently in advanced testing), Enablement of full e-filing, e-assessment, e-payment, and e-assignment of cases.
“In addition, we conducted the recruitment and training of 39 Verbatim Court Reporters to enhance courtroom transcription accuracy,” he stated.
