The Ministry of Justice in Nigeria has unveiled the National Minimum Standards (2025) and the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual (2025), as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s criminal justice system and align it with global best practices.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) has significantly improved justice delivery in the country, stressing that “it has enhanced convictions, supported plea bargaining, prohibited arrest by proxy and strengthened asset recovery.”
“Over the past decade, Nigeria has undertaken several reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, fairness and accountability of our criminal justice system,” Fagbemi stated.
“One of the key pillars of these reforms has been the implementation of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which introduced innovative mechanisms to ensure speedy justice delivery and the decongestion of correctional centres,” he explained.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony and sensitisation workshop in Abuja, the Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department of the Ministry, Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, described the initiative as a defining moment in Nigeria’s justice reform journey.
“It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this landmark occasion heralding the unveiling of the National Minimum Standards (2025), the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual (2025), alongside this sensitisation workshop,” she said.
She noted that the event represents “the culmination of years of deliberate, intentional, collaborative and painstaking efforts” to strengthen the Administration of Criminal Justice system through the institutionalisation of restorative justice as an effective complement to conventional judicial processes.
The Director highlighted that the Federal Ministry of Justice has made significant progress in implementing restorative justice within the Federal Capital Territory since 2022, working closely with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and other stakeholders.
“In 2023, the Ministry coordinated engagements with an ad hoc committee, facilitators and justice institutions, including a study visit to Lagos State, which informed the development of key policy documents such as the Restorative Justice Policy, Bill, Practice Direction and Training Manual,” she noted.
According to her, the newly unveiled National Minimum Standards establish operational benchmarks required to institutionalise restorative justice in Nigeria, ensuring consistency while remaining responsive to local realities.
She added that the Harmonised Training Curriculum and Manual provide a comprehensive framework for training facilitators, promoting professionalism and ensuring uniformity in the application of restorative justice practices across jurisdictions.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, represented by Justice James Omotosho, described the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 as an embodiment of landmark reform in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
He described the Act as revolutionary in outlook, while promoting efficiency and fairness.
The initiative is expected to enhance accountability, promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and align Nigeria’s justice system with evolving global standards.