The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has restated the federal government’s commitment to building an effective, fair, and responsive criminal justice system.
Fagbemi disclosed that the government recently convened key stakeholders to reflect, realign, and synergise efforts toward improving justice administration in the country.
He made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting on the final review and validation of the Draft Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC).
Delivering a keynote address, the AGF said the review was timely, coming a decade after the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which sought to harmonise and reform criminal procedure laws.
“A decade after the enactment of ACJA 2015, gaps and challenges still remain, though in a lesser proportion. The review of the ACJA, therefore, presents an opportunity not only to reflect on successes but also to refine provisions, reappraise, address shortcomings, and deliver a justice system that is truly responsive to the realities of our time,” Fagbemi stated.
He emphasised that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is committed to creating a system that is “fast, fair, efficient, effective, and responsive.”
Fagbemi also highlighted persistent delays in trials, the need for digital access to justice, and overcrowding in correctional centres. He urged wider adoption of non-custodial sentences, probation, and restorative justice, alongside constitutional reforms that would move Correctional Services to the Concurrent Legislative List for better federal-state collaboration.
He revealed that the Ministry, in partnership with the FCT judiciary, will review the 2020 Custodial and Non-Custodial Sentencing Practice Direction to expand the use of non-custodial measures, in line with the ACJA 2015 and the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.
In his goodwill message, CSLS President, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, commended the process, noting that it provides an opportunity to critically reassess the law and its shortcomings.
Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, said the forum demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system. She pointed out that continuous refinement of ACJA was necessary to reflect emerging realities, clarify provisions, and align with constitutional and human rights standards.
Also speaking, RoLAC representative, Mr. Joshua Dada, acknowledged the remarkable progress achieved in implementing ACJA 2015 and pledged continued support for federal institutions and focal states in advancing reforms.
