The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, today called on judges and judicial officers nationwide to prioritize the swift resolution of commercial disputes.
This initiative aims to foster a thriving business environment and enhance Nigeria's ease of doing business. Fagbemi delivered the address at the opening of the 2025 Network of Justice Sector Reform Teams Conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The conference, themed “Interoperability between Access to Justice and the Ease of Doing Business,” brought together key justice sector stakeholders. Fagbemi stressed the need for harmony across the justice ecosystem, including pre-action collaboration and robust Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to reduce court burdens.
He aligned these efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to attract investments, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.
"There can be no meaningful economic progress without a robust, predictable, and efficient justice system," Fagbemi stated. He highlighted how delays in justice increase business costs, stifle innovation, and deter investments. Fagbemi commended Nasarawa State's leadership in specialized justice, including the full implementation of the Family Court system.
He challenged Justice Sector Reform Teams to set measurable targets, such as reducing commercial dispute timelines, mainstreaming ADR, and using technology to support small and medium enterprises. "I look forward to receiving the outcomes of your discussions, which will undoubtedly inform and enrich our national policy framework," he added.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who declared the conference open, praised the Federal Ministry of Justice for establishing the Network. "We are ready to learn from the expertise gathered here today and to partner with you in implementing practical solutions," Sule said.
Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Beatrice Jedy-Agba welcomed participants and applauded Governor Sule's justice reforms in Nasarawa.