Taraba State judiciary unveils reforms to boost efficiency, transparency
The Taraba State Judiciary has launched comprehensive reforms to enhance service delivery and ensure greater transparency in the administration of justice, Chief Judge Justice Joel Agya has announced. The disclosure was made on Friday in Jalingo during a courtesy visit by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander, Corps Commander Anna Attah.
Justice Agya confirmed that the reforms, initiated since his confirmation as Chief Judge in 2024, involve a thorough review of rules and operational guidelines to improve fairness and efficiency across the state’s court system. A key component of this transformation is the ongoing digitization of the High Court, a move expected to streamline case management and improve public access to justice.
The Chief Judge also highlighted the recent signing into law of several new legal frameworks aimed at strengthening court processes. These include the Area Court Civil Procedure Rules 2026, the District Courts Rules 2026, the High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2026, and the Taraba State Sentencing Guidelines 2026. He stated that the sentencing guidelines are specifically designed to provide clearer direction for judges when determining penalties in criminal cases.
During the meeting, FRSC Sector Commander Attah underscored the critical interdependence between the judiciary and road safety enforcement. She appealed to the Chief Judge to appoint additional magistrates to man the mobile courts, particularly in Bali and Jalingo Local Government Areas, to bolster enforcement operations.
Attah expressed concern over a lingering Court of Appeal judgment that restricts FRSC enforcement activities within city centers, a limitation she linked to a rise in crashes involving tricycle operators. She reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to operating within legal frameworks, stressing that judicial support remains essential for the sustainability of road safety initiatives. “We cannot operate outside the court. The support of the judiciary is vital,” she said.
The visit signals ongoing collaboration between the state judiciary and federal agencies, with reforms aimed at modernizing court procedures and addressing operational challenges cited by enforcement bodies. The success of these reforms is expected to have a tangible impact on both the public’s experience of the justice system and broader efforts to improve safety and regulatory compliance in Taraba State.
