National Policy Summit on Justice in the Works by Federal Government

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has unveiled plans for a significant initiative in the realm of justice. He announced that the Ministry of Justice is in the process of organizing a National Summit on Justice, where key stakeholders will convene to deliberate on and adopt an enhanced national policy on justice that will guide the nation's legal landscape from 2024 to 2028. This ambitious endeavor was discussed during a forum dedicated to reviewing the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of states in Abuja.

In his statement, Attorney-General Fagbemi highlighted the need for this pivotal summit, emphasizing its focus on reshaping the national policy on justice. This new policy will be designed to address the evolving needs and challenges of the Nigerian justice system. Fagbemi outlined the Ministry's objective of creating a more balanced, effective, and inclusive system of justice by collaborating with key stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, as well as fellow Attorneys-General.

Fagbemi acknowledged the transformative journey embarked upon since the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in 2015 and the subsequent development of the National Policy on Justice in 2017. The National Policy on Justice exposed critical deficiencies within the justice system, bringing to light areas where reform and enhancement were imperative. The Attorney-General recognized the significance of the policy and its role in identifying the root causes of the justice system's inadequacies.

The impending summit will serve as a platform to facilitate comprehensive discussions, enabling participants to dissect the existing challenges and collectively propose solutions that align with the evolving legal landscape. Furthermore, Fagbemi stressed the importance of establishing National Minimum Standards, providing a framework that guides collaborative efforts across different justice sector institutions. These standards will play a pivotal role in ensuring the system is effective, inclusive, and upholds the principles of justice and fairness.

In light of recent constitutional changes that removed the Correctional Service from the exclusive list, Attorney-General Fagbemi emphasized the need for close collaboration between states and the Federal Government. Responsibilities must be clearly defined, and proper coordination is essential, particularly regarding custodial and correctional matters.

The President of the Center for Socio-Legal Studies, Prof. Akinseye George, SAN, echoed the significance of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws, emphasizing their role in safeguarding the rights of individuals who interact with the justice system. These laws establish fundamental standards for justice providers, outlining their responsibilities in delivering justice fairly and efficiently.

Representing the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Justice Steven Adah, highlighted the objectives of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. This legislation aims to optimize the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria by promoting efficiency in the management of criminal justice institutions, expediting justice delivery, and safeguarding the rights and interests of suspects, defendants, and victims. The ACJA 2015 introduces innovations that ensure the criminal justice system operates smoothly while upholding the rights of defendants without unnecessary delays or suppression.

The upcoming National Summit on Justice promises to be a milestone event that will shape the trajectory of the Nigerian justice system from 2024 to 2028. It will provide a platform for various stakeholders to engage in productive discussions, contribute their insights, and collectively work towards a justice system that is efficient, inclusive, and just. As Nigeria continues to evolve, this initiative aims to keep the nation's legal landscape aligned with its changing needs and priorities.