Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Justice sector are meeting in Abuja to address inequalities in accessing justice for the benefits of all individuals in the country, regardless of background and social status.
The stakeholders comprised of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi and all Attorneys Generals and commissioners of Justice of the thirty six states of the Federation.
Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi explained that the platform provides them the opportunity to deliberate on some critical and cross-cutting legal issues affecting Nigeria, “Which would require mutual cooperation and collaboration between the Federal Government and the Governments of the component States of the Federation.”
Fagbemi noted that, as a Federation founded on constitutionalism and rule of law, Attorney Generals offices play very critical constitutional roles in enhancing effectiveness, functionality and sustainability of reforms in the justice sector.
“The main agenda of this meeting therefore is on how we can regularly and effectively use the instrumentality of the platform of this Body to solve problems and frictions arising from our shared constitutional and statutory responsibilities as a Federation particularly on critical issues for which the Federal and component States may have divergent views.”
He said, since his assumption in office, he met with Governor’s Forum, representatives of the legislative and judicial arms of government, public and private sector, professional organizations, Individuals and stakeholders in various sectors of the economy geared towards enhancing collaboration in addressing needs of Nigerians.
Fagbemi also, urged the Attorneys Generals to ensure the full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary across States as provided in Section 121(3)&(4) of the Constitution
“We should in this regard seek to robustly build the capacities of the judiciary, both in terms of personnel and infrastructure, particularly by investing in technologies that are necessary to automate vital aspects of our court operations and ultimately implement a digital justice delivery system.”
Fagbemi believes that, “Access to justice goes to the very heart of what our mandate entails.”
The Chairman Senate committee on justice Mr. Mohammed Monguno described the gathering as apt in view of some challenges.
“This meeting is apt and timely in view of the current challenges, which have bedevilled the country’s Judiciary and the need to, as a matter of urgency, address emerging legal issues affecting the Nation, with particular reference to conflicting Judgments, arising from Election Petition Tribunals and the Court of Appeal in recent time, implementation of the Data protection Act 2023 and factors affecting the implementation of the Administration of the Criminal justice Act 2015.”
Also, the Chairman House of Representatives committee on justice Mr. Olumide Osoba addressing the gab on access to equitable justice requires multi-pronged approach that involves coordination and collaboration between government and civil society organizations.
“We need to invest in improving access to Justice through legal aid, community-based paralegal Services, and technology driven solutions.
“We must also work towards building trust and confidence in the Justice system by engaging with marginalized communities and addressing their concerns.”
Osoba also advocated for the need to address the disproportionate representation of minorities in the criminal Justice system.
The body of Attorney Generals conference is expected to come up with formidable resolutions to address challenges in the justice system.
