CSO Advocates Increased Budgetary Allocation For Criminal Justice System

A civil society organisation focused on public safety, security and justice, CLEEN Foundation, has called for a review and increase in budgetary allocation to ensure the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Nigeria.

The group highlighted a significant disparity in funding, noting that while over N245 billion has been allocated to local security guards, infrastructure, and firearms little attention has been given to strengthening the criminal justice system.

“Government from across the states have not deliberately put in so much effort to ensure that there is an efficient functionality of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in most of the states,” the foundation said.

This was disclosed during a policy brief presentation in Lagos themed, “Media Advocacy for Increased Budgetary Allocation for Efficient Implementation of the ACJ,” organised by the foundation inpartnership with the MacArthur Foundation.

Programme director of CLEEN Foundation, Hashim Salaudeen disclosed that while states have a duty to combat crime, Nigeria’s criminal justice system faces numerous challenges, including funding deficits, corruption, lack of awareness of the law, and political interference amongst others.

He emphasised that the current system is failing to meet its objectives, causing setbacks in justice delivery.

The foundation identified political influence on the judiciary as a major obstacle, stressing that proper funding would ensure independence.