International IDEA, Ministry of Justice Organize National Conference on Criminal Justice Reforms in Ilorin
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice to host the National Justice Reforms Conference in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The three-day event, supported by the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, aims to address challenges in Nigeria’s justice sector and propose innovative reforms.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees (ACJMCs), zonal Justice Reform Teams, and magistrates involved in detention oversight, are attending the conference to explore strategies for improving justice delivery across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, called for enhanced collaboration among justice sector stakeholders to tackle systemic issues.
Highlighting the Federal Government’s reforms, such as the Presidential Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation and the development of the National Policy on Justice, Fagbemi said:
“These policies address the root causes of systemic failures, fostering inter-agency cooperation and advancing the administration of justice.”
He praised development partners, including the British Council and Partners West Africa Nigeria, for their support and urged participants to work towards impactful reforms, noting, “The pursuit of justice lies at the heart of our collective aspirations for a fair and equitable society.”
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), officially opened the conference.
He lauded the organizers for choosing Kwara as the host state, describing the event as timely.
“This conference couldn’t have come at a better time as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mobilizes the Honourable Attorney General and his team to rejig the system for better outcomes,” he stated.
The Governor expressed confidence in the conference’s ability to propose innovative solutions to judicial challenges, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding public trust in the judiciary.
He also encouraged participants to explore Ilorin, a city he described as a blend of transformation and hospitality.
Driving Justice Reforms in Nigeria
The RoLAC II Programme, funded by the European Union, is dedicated to enhancing Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly for vulnerable groups, and promoting anti-corruption measures.
Similarly, International IDEA continues its mission of supporting democracy and justice reforms globally.
The conference reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to fostering an equitable justice system in Nigeria and addressing critical gaps in judicial administration.
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