Stakeholders Commit To Justice Sector Reforms As Delta, Rivers, Nasarawa Lead In ACJL Implementation

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s criminal justice system have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening justice sector reforms at a historic convocation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees (ACJMCs).

The two-day conference, held in partnership with the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), brought together key players, including legal experts, policymakers, and law enforcement officials, to assess progress and reinforce the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs) across the country.

Presiding over the event, the Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, described the convocation as a critical platform to evaluate reforms, address systemic challenges, and foster collaboration.

He emphasised the need for efficiency in case management, reduction of procedural delays, and sustained innovation in the administration of justice.

“This convocation provides a platform to assess our progress, discuss challenges, and drive reforms that will ensure a more effective and transparent criminal justice system,” Justice Baba Yusuf stated.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, who was represented at the event, commended the ACJMCs for their efforts in promoting judicial efficiency. He called for a renewed commitment to nationwide compliance with the ACJA/ACJL and assured stakeholders that the government remains dedicated to enhancing legal reforms and accountability.

Similarly, Hon. Justice Binta Nyako, representing the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, acknowledged the progress made in justice sector reforms while emphasising the need for regional solutions, proper funding, and strategic policy implementation to sustain improvements.

The convocation also served as a platform for law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to outline their contributions to justice sector reforms.

The Inspector General of Police, represented at the event, reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to partnering with ACJMCs to improve law enforcement operations and uphold public trust.

Representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) highlighted key achievements since adopting the ACJA. They pledged continued cooperation with ACJMCs to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and promote fair trial standards.

One of the event‘s major highlights was the award ceremony recognising top-performing states in ACJL implementation.

Delta State emerged as the top performer with a 90.9% compliance score, followed by Rivers State (85%) and Nasarawa State (82%). The awards presented include brand-new laptops and workstations for the ACJMC secretariats as a reward for their commitment to justice sector reforms.

The convocation also saw the official presentation of the National Minimum Standard Document on ACJA/ACJL Implementation, launched by the Hon. Chief Judge of the FCT. The document serves as a benchmark for uniformity in criminal justice processes across the country, reinforcing the objective of ensuring justice is delivered efficiently and equitably.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Evbu Igbinedion, Executive Secretary of the ACJMC, expressed gratitude to the CSLS, MacArthur Foundation, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the convocation‘s success. She acknowledged the leadership of the Hon. Chief Judge of the FCT and the Attorney General of the Federation, emphasising their unwavering support for criminal justice reforms.

“This convocation has reinforced our shared commitment to justice sector improvements. With continued collaboration and strategic reforms, we can build a system that delivers fairness, transparency, and efficiency,” she stated.