Federal Government Announces Comprehensive Reform of Judicial System
In a bid to streamline Nigeria’s legal landscape and ensure equitable access to justice for all citizens, the Federal Government has unveiled plans for a sweeping reform of the judicial system. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made the announcement during a press conference held in Abuja yesterday.
The reform initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), aims to address critical issues hindering the effective functioning of Nigeria’s legal framework. Speaking at the press conference, Prince Fagbemi emphasized the need for extensive revisions to existing laws, particularly in areas such as electoral laws, to better serve the needs of the Nigerian populace.
A focal point of the reform effort is the upcoming National Summit on the Justice Sector, slated to take place on April 24 – 25, 2024, at the Auditorium of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to officially inaugurate the summit, which will convene key stakeholders from the legal community to address systemic challenges within the justice sector.
According to Prince Fagbemi, the summit presents a pivotal opportunity to collectively tackle pressing issues affecting the delivery of justice in Nigeria. A Joint Planning Committee, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, NBA, and National Judicial Council (NJC), has been established to organize the event. Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), Chairman of the NBA Judiciary Committee, heads the committee.
“The National Summit on Justice presents a unique opportunity to collectively tackle the pressing issues hindering the efficient, fair, and people-centred delivery of justice in our nation,” stated Prince Fagbemi. “The comprehensive policy document outlines a broad framework and initiatives in 17 thematic areas aimed at reforming the justice sector to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility to all Nigerians, ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.”
The reform initiative seeks to promote social cohesion, bolster economic development, and foster good governance by addressing various challenges within the legal framework. Through collaboration and constructive dialogue, stakeholders
