ACJA @10: Tinubu Pledges Support for Justice Sector Reforms, Stakeholders Push Accountability

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system, assuring stakeholders of full support for reforms aimed at promoting fairness, efficiency and transparency.

Delivering the President’s goodwill message at the National Symposium on Criminal Justice Administration in Abuja, the Chief of Staff said the Presidency remains focused on ensuring that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) becomes a “lived reality” for all Nigerians.

The event, organised by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to mark 10 years of the ACJA, brought together representatives of the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, civil society and development partners.

Delivering the President’s message, the Chief of Staff provided a reflective analysis of the ACJA’s achievements over the past decade and outlined strategic priorities for the next, including the harmonisation of ACJA/ACJL provisions nationwide, improving bail administration, strengthening accountability for law enforcement agencies, expanding legal aid and access to justice, and accelerating digital reform and automation of court processes. He stressed the need for continuous training, modern infrastructure, stronger oversight, improved technology, harmonised standards and sustained public awareness so citizens understand their rights under the ACJA.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by Ahmed Wada, said the ACJA has strengthened rights protections, reduced pretrial detention and improved coordination across justice institutions. He, however, called for renewed efforts to expand access to justice, improve public defence, strengthen oversight, support victims and witnesses and ensure sustained funding. Justice, he noted, must not only be promised but “proven.”

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by Kamila Mustafa Kida, said all 36 states have now adopted the ACJA, leading to faster trials, clearer arrest and bail procedures and improved custody standards.

A major highlight was the launch of the Criminal Justice Reporting Portal, a new platform designed to enforce mandatory reporting obligations and enhance accountability. The symposium also adopted a National Strategy on Criminal Justice Administration to guide reforms over the next decade.

ACJMC Executive Secretary, Evbu Igbinedion, urged states to fund their monitoring committees, noting that only three currently do so, even as she expressed optimism that stronger collaboration would deepen the integration of technology and accountability across the justice system.