NGF, State AGs, Institute Synergy on Evidence-Based, Inclusive Justice System
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Attorneys-General of the 36 states of the federation, and the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), have set a bold agenda for justice reform in Nigeria.
The agenda was put in place during a high-level Stakeholder Dialogue and Sensitization Workshop on People-Centred Justice (PCJ), which held Friday in Abuja.
The workshop deliberated on evidence-based strategies for building a justice system that is inclusive, affordable, and community-driven.
Besides, the workshop signals the beginning of a national movement toward systemic transformation in justice delivery.
According to participants, this transformation is anchored in the recognition that justice is not merely a legal framework but, a cornerstone of national development, peace-building, and public trust.
Speaking at the occasion, Director-General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, who assured of the forum’s partnership with the states, urged the states’ AGs, to take knowledge acquired at the workshop back home, to ensure smooth implementation of a people-centered justice system.
“Our goal is to extend this model nationwide. The states are expected to take the knowledge back home, adapt it to their peculiar contexts, and implement people-centred justice projects. The NGF Secretariat is ready to partner with states and link them with development partners where necessary.”
Also speaking, Attorney General of Ebonyi State, Prof. Ben Odoh, noted the adoption of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs) by the 36 states to some extent, have improved justice delivery in the country.
“The justice system we had prior to 2015 was retributive, but now with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act domesticated by the 36 states, we have a justice system that uses reconciliation, restoration, reintegration, and re-institution. That alone is a holistic people-centred system”, he said.
Meanwhile, in his own contribution, the Ogun State AG, Justice Gboyega Ogunfowora, stressed the need to strengthen informal pathways.
“The formal justice sector needs help, and that help can only come from us stimulating and ensuring that the informal justice sector works. By empowering communities, we reduce the burden on courts and make justice more immediate and meaningful”, he said.
On her part, HiiL Country Representative, Ijeoma Nwafor noted that communities are crucial in attaining efficient justice delivery, hence the need to integrate them into the system.
“Justice must be seen as tangible. By providing measurable tools and showcasing successful projects, we can attract international donors and ensure reforms are sustainable.
“People-centred justice is about recognizing that communities already have solutions, and the formal system must empower and integrate them”, Nwafor said.
Participants however, observed that by embracing people-centred justice, Nigeria is charting a path toward a future where justice is not distant or abstract, but accessible, affordable, and meaningful to every citizen.
