The Enugu State government says it has strengthened and expanded the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse to decongest the courts and promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR), hoping to make it a model in the Eastern region for commercial and family dispute settlement.
The governor of the state, Peter Mbah, who disclosed this, also revealed that in partnership with civil society and the Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA), the state expanded access to pro bono legal services for indigent citizens and detainees, especially in the rural areas.
Mbah spoke at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu on Sunday, noting that no one should be too poor to afford justice.
“We have also carried out an extensive codification and review of obsolete state laws to reflect modern realities, ensure gender justice, and promote the ease of doing business in Enugu,” he said.
The governor reminded lawyers that the law is more than a profession, as it serves as the conscience of the nation. He stressed the commitment of his administration to justice sector reform, saying that it remained the cornerstone of his government.
According to him, “the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Stand Out, Stand Tall,’ is a timely reminder of the responsibility we bear as lawyers and leaders. We are not only courtroom advocates; we are also defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity,” he said.
Mbah disclosed further that Enugu was among the first states to fully implement financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), adding that this has enhanced the efficiency, independence, and dignity of the state’s courts.
Furthermore, the state has carried out a comprehensive rehabilitation and digitization of its courtrooms across the three senatorial zones. The High Court Complex in Enugu, for instance, is equipped with e-filing, virtual hearing facilities, and an integrated case management system.
“Perhaps one of the reforms I am proud of is the introduction of real-time transcription for our courts. Attaining Verbatim Reporting for the courts has eliminated the strain of longhand recording on judges, cut down on delays and improved productivity,” he said.
He, however, stated that none of the reforms was an end in itself, rather they remained part of a broader vision of his government towards making Enugu the preferred destination for investment, innovation, and inclusive development.
“From smart schools, safe communities to accessible healthcare, our vision cannot be achieved without a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted,” he added.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, while the keynote address was given by charismatic leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa and a member of the country’s national parliament, Julius Malema
