The Chief Judge of Taraba state, Justice Joel Agya, on Thursday signed into law, the Taraba State Area Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules 2026 and the Taraba State District Courts Rule 2026.

Agya, while signing the rules at the Taraba State High Court Complex in Jalingo said the judiciary had extended its reforms to the foundation of the justice delivery system.

He said those instruments were designed to modernise procedure at the High Court and promote consistency, transparency and fairness in sentencing.

“With the signing today of the Taraba State Area Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2026 and the Taraba State District Courts Rules, 2026, we have now extended this reform to the foundation of our justice delivery system, the courts that ware closest to the people.

“Area Courts and District Courts are, for many of our citizens, the first and sometimes the only point of contact with the justice system.

” It is therefore imperative that their procedures be simple, efficient, accessible and responsive to contemporary realities. The new Rules reflect this commitment.

” First, they simplify and modernise the mode of service of processes by expressly providing for service by electronic and digital means.

” This reform recognises present-day communication realities and is aimed at reducing delays, cutting costs, and ensuring that parties are promptly notified of proceedings affecting them.

“Second, the Rules enhance and clarify the provisions relating to Inspectors of Area Courts. Effective supervision and inspection are essential to maintaining standards, promoting accountability, and strengthening public confidence in our lower courts.

“Third, the filing fees payable in the Area Courts and District Courts have been reviewed. This review was undertaken with careful consideration – to ensure sustainability of court operations while remaining mindful of access to justice for the ordinary citizen.

“Fourth, and significantly, the Rules now contain clear and coherent provisions on case management.

“By introducing structured procedures for handling cases, discouraging unnecessary adjournments, and encouraging timely disposition, we seek to foster a culture of efficiency and responsibility within our courts,” he said.

Agya emphasised that the reforms were not merely technical adjustments, but represented a broader vision.

” A judiciary that is modern in outlook, disciplined in process, humane in application, and accessible to all.

” I commend the Rules Committee, judicial officers, court administrators and all stakeholders who contributed to the drafting and refinement of these Rules. Their dedication and expertise have made this reform possible,” he added.

The chief judge further emphasised that the success of the new rules would depend not only on their text but on their faithful implementation.

He urged all judges of the District Courts, all Judges of the Area Courts, court staff, members of the Bar and all justice sector stakeholders to familiarise themselves fully with those provisions and to apply them diligently and in good faith.

According to him, the administration of justice is a sacred trust. Through these reforms, we reaffirm our resolve to deliver justice that is timely, fair, transparent and in tune with the needs of our people.