The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, along with key justice sector stakeholders, have advanced efforts to standardize the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 across Nigeria.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice and supported by the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-II) Programme, the National Minimum Standards Document for ACJA 2024 was adopted. The new standards aim to streamline criminal justice procedures, ensuring consistency and fairness nationwide.
Fagbemi, represented by Mrs. Beatrice Jessy-Agba, Solicitor General of the Federation, highlighted that the ACJA was enacted to harmonize criminal justice reforms, promote swift justice delivery, and protect the rights of all involved parties. He stressed that uniform implementation across states will close loopholes that allow offenders to evade justice.
Key areas of the newly adopted standards include pre-trial and trial management, witness support, bail protocols, and post-trial procedures. Stakeholders also emphasized the need for plea bargains and discouraged halting trials due to interlocutory appeals.
Dr. Ben Odoh, representing the Body of States Attorneys-General, and other justice sector representatives, expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance Nigeria’s legal framework and strengthen criminal justice delivery at both state and federal levels.
The National Minimum Standards are expected to be implemented in states including Lagos, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory.
