The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Joel Agya, has said that the judicial reforms currently being implemented under his leadership are focused on improving justice delivery and promoting excellence in judicial practice across the state.
Justice Joel Agya made the remarks on Friday during the 2026 Law Week organised by the Nigerian Bar Association in Wukari Local Government Area.
The event, themed “The Judiciary as a Citadel of Justice: A Myth or a Reality for the Common Man and Legal Practitioners,” brought together legal practitioners and stakeholders to reflect on the effectiveness of the justice system.
According to the Chief Judge, despite challenges such as delays in case handling, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources, the judiciary remains committed to rebuilding public trust through reforms, innovation, and strict adherence to judicial integrity.
He explained that the Taraba State judiciary is currently reviewing procedural rules, adopting technology-driven processes, investing in continuous judicial training, and introducing measures aimed at reducing delays in the disposal of cases.
As part of the ongoing reforms, Joel Agya revealed that judges of the Taraba State High Court recently underwent practical training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in June as part of efforts to modernise judicial operations and improve efficiency.
He said the reforms are designed to ensure that justice is not only delivered but is also seen to be delivered fairly and transparently.
The Chief Judge also praised the NBA Wukari Branch for choosing a theme that encourages meaningful reflection on the judiciary’s role in today’s society.
He further expressed gratitude to the branch for naming its secretariat after him, describing the gesture as both humbling and motivating.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NBA Wukari Branch, Hassan Saubana, said the Law Week serves as an important platform to improve justice delivery and strengthen collaboration between the Bench and the Bar.
Saubana assured that the branch would continue working closely with the judiciary and other stakeholders to enhance the administration of justice in the state.
BACKSTORY:
Nigeria’s judiciary has continued to face growing calls for reform as concerns over delays in case disposal, overcrowded court dockets, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to justice persist across different states.
Legal practitioners and rights advocates have repeatedly stressed the need for modernisation, improved efficiency, and stronger public confidence in the justice system, especially as technology continues to reshape legal processes globally.
In recent years, several state judiciaries have begun introducing reforms aimed at speeding up court proceedings, reviewing outdated procedural rules, and adopting digital tools to improve case management.
Against this backdrop, the Taraba State judiciary has joined the wider push for reform, with Chief Judge Joel Agya emphasising the need for innovation, continuous training, and stronger institutional capacity to ensure effective and timely justice delivery.
