- To adopt National Justice Policy
- Targets enhanced justice delivery in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu, alongside Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola and key stakeholders within Nigeria’s justice system, are preparing for a significant summit aimed at the adoption of the National Policy on Justice 2024. Scheduled to commence on Wednesday, the two-day summit, entitled “Enhancing Justice Delivery in Nigeria,” serves as a guiding framework for governmental, civil society, and donor initiatives pertaining to justice delivery nationwide.
Organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and other essential development partners, the National Justice Summit endeavors to facilitate dialogue and redefine the landscape of justice delivery in Nigeria.
This announcement was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday, signed by Mr. Badejogbin Oluwatoyin, Project Manager of Component 1 – Criminal Justice Reform, RoLAC II Programme, International IDEA.
According to the statement, the summit will underscore the pivotal role of the justice system in upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding citizens’ rights, with a focus on addressing persistent challenges such as trial delays and prison overcrowding. Despite notable advancements in enhancing access to justice, certain demographics, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, continue to encounter obstacles to effective justice.
The inaugural summit held in 2017 resulted in the adoption of Nigeria’s pioneering National Policy on Justice (NPJ) 2017, a comprehensive framework aimed at tackling the multifaceted issues afflicting the country’s justice sector. Centered on achieving equitable, impartial, and efficient administration of justice, NPJ 2017 strives to bolster access to justice, foster transparency, fortify legal safeguards, and ensure expeditious justice delivery.
Esteemed participants at the upcoming summit, scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, will encompass Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, and Solicitors-General from Nigeria’s 36 states, convened under the distinguished Chairmanship of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola. The event will be inaugurated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will witness the engagement of prominent figures from the legal profession, the legislative sphere, and beyond.
