The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and advancing justice reforms.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, made this known during the grand finale of a national moot court competition organised by the Juritrust Centre for Socio-Legal Research and Documentation.
According to him, the Federal Government remains resolute in “upholding the rule of law, strengthening human security and advancing justice reform.”
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Represented by the State Counsel in the Administration of Criminal Justice Department, Ministry of Justice, Hauwa Dimka, the Attorney General described the initiative, which was supported by the MacArthur Foundation, as critical to bridging the divide between legal theory and courtroom practice.
“Programmes such as this play a vital role in bridging the gap between legal theory and practical courtroom advocacy,” he said, noting that they prepare “the next generation of legal practitioners to effectively navigate the complexities of our criminal justice system.”
At the heart of Nigeria’s reform agenda is the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which Fagbemi described as “a landmark reform in Nigeria’s justice sector.”
“Its effective implementation requires not only strong institutions but also well-trained and forward-thinking legal professionals,” he stressed.
The competition, which brought together leading universities across Nigeria, underscored the growing importance of legal education in addressing global challenges such as access to justice, institutional accountability, and sustainable development.
Director of the Juritrust Centre, Adedeji Adekunke, highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing socio-legal research and called for stronger mentorship frameworks to equip young lawyers with practical skills.
Mushalesa Udopa of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime described the event as more than an academic exercise.
“This competition represents not only an academic exercise but also a vital platform for nurturing the next generation of justice sector leaders,” she said, linking effective justice systems to the achievement of global Sustainable Development Goals.
Legal practitioner Angela Ugochukwu also emphasised the importance of mentorship and innovation, noting that young entrants into the legal profession must adapt to evolving demands.
The moot court finale featured participants from multiple Nigerian universities, with the University of Calabar and Ebonyi State University competing in the final round.
The panel of judges was chaired by retired Justice Joe Acha, alongside Justices Nkemdilim Izuako and Celetine Odo.