Justice Sector Reform: AGF’s Rule Of Law Promises We Mustn’t Forget

Justice sector reform is a regular topic in climes desiring efficient justice adjudication and dispensation for its people.

It was not a surprise therefore that when the Attorney General of the federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria addressed the last National Summit on Law, at the National Judicial Institute Abuja, he succeeded in stirring hope of a justice sector reform in the country.

That of course is one sure way of ensuring better justice adjudication and administration.

His optimism that the summit would, amongst others, leave far-reaching impact on matters of law and justice to the larger society, given its premium impact on state affairs, resonated with many at the event.

It has become necessary therefore, to draw attention to those promises, in the light of some current developments in the country, on the one hand, and also to serve as a reminder to those who have one duty or another to perform towards the realisation of a better justice reform system and law adjudication in the country.

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The Attorney-General had reminded his distinguished audience that the idea of a National Summit on Justice as had been conceived in 2017, specifically “enables us to measure the impact of the reforms initiated by the National Policy on Justice (2017 – 2023), in the key areas of administration of justice”, which he identified thus:

1. law enforcement
2. Judicial proceedings
3. Correctional services
4. Restorative and traditional justice
5. Legal education and practice amongst others.

Attorney General of the federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi: Committed to ensuring free access to justice in Nigeria. 

“A major objective of this summit”, he said, “is to validate and adopt the revised National Policy on Justice, 2024 – 2028 which is the product of extensive research work and consultations undertaken by critical stakeholders in the Justice Sector”.

Summarily, “First, the Policy seeks to promote and protect human rights and access to justice which are essential features of a functional justice system.

“It proposes practical and sustainable interventions in the implementation of statutory provisions encouraging protection of human rights and access to justice.

Responding rhetorically to what the policy aims to achieve, he stated it would improve:

i. mechanisms for fair and speedy dispensation of justice

ii. detention and correctional services

iii. restorative justice

iv. alternative dispute resolution (ADR) – developing Nigeria into an arbitration hub on the continent

v. commerce and economic activities

vi. compliance with treaty obligations

vii. synergy and cooperation across the justice sector; and

viii. Independence of the judiciary; among others.

“The Policy also places heavy emphasis on the deployment of technology in the administration of justice.

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“This will not only ensure ease and efficiency in service delivery; it will also significantly boost awareness and access to justice for persons seeking administrative or judicial remedy:.

He said Nigeria’s justice sector under his watch would continue to push for mutuality in the formulation and implementation of the National Policy on Justice and National Judicial Policy.

“In furtherance of the above, we are developing draft constitution amendment bills which are aimed at achieving the aims of improved access to justice, deepening the independence and capacity of the judiciary, and eliminating delays in the administration of justice, among others.

According to Attorney General, Justice Sector Reform generally, and the Policy seek to drive the implementation of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy under Chapter 2 of the Constitution which provides under: Section 14(1) that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice; Section 17(1):

“The State social order is founded on ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice; and section 17(2)(e): the independence, impartiality and integrity of courts of law, and easy accessibility thereto, shall be secured and maintained. The foregoing cardinal objectives/principles are only achievable wh ensures there is a dynamic and responsive legal framework in place”, he said.