Borno StateGovernor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged to undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s existing laws to align with contemporary realities before the end of his tenure
Governor Zulum made the promise on Friday during the official launch of the Digital Case Management System at the Borno State Ministry of Justice, held at the Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri The event also featured the unveiling of the ministry’s new logo, core values, mission statement, and e-library.
In his address, Governor Zulum emphasised the necessity of legal reforms, particularly in the penal code, to ensure effective deterrence against offences.
“Most of the provisions of the laws, especially the penal code laws, need to be reviewed. At present, the punishment in the provisions of the law can not provide the needed deterrence for defaulters. And that is what my administration will look into it so that before the expiration of my tenure insha Allah, we shall have laws that are in tandem with current realities, ” Zulum pledged.
The governor assured full support for the Ministry of Justice’s digital transformation agenda, noting that the newly launched Digital Case Management System would enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and elevate the standard of legal practice in the state.
Governor Zulum also reiterated his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, training, and career development for state counsels, pledging support for lawyers seeking further education.
“I am happy to see many female lawyers. I want to assure you that any person who wants to further his education, i am willing to do that,” he added.
He commended the State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Kashim Zannah, for pioneering the digital case management system in the state judiciary five years ago, making Borno the first in Nigeria to adopt such innovation. Similarly, he praised the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Hauwa Abubakar, for her leadership and reformative initiatives.
Borno state Chief Judge, Justice Kashim Zannah applauded Governor Zulum for his transformative governance and urged the digitisation of state laws to enhance public accessibility.
“In my career, i have never seen a government meticulously promulgating laws to see that every agency of government is governed by a law. Almost every month, laws signed by His Excellency come to me, and the best way to make them accessible is to digitise them,” Zannah noted.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Hauwa Abubakar described the event as a milestone in institutional reforms, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to efficient, people-centred justice reforms.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Ministry of Justice. The unveiling of our new identity is not merely a symbolic gesture; it embodies our renewed focus, clarity of purpose, and unwavering dedication to public service. It signifies a ministry that is evolving to meet the challenges of modern governance while remaining steadfast in its commitment to justice, fairness, and integrity,” Barr Abubakar said.
