President Tinubu To Declare Open Nigeria’s Justice Sector Reform Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to inaugurate the National Summit on Justice in Abuja on April 24, aiming to tackle significant issues within the nation's justice sector, Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, revealed during a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Fagbemi, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), emphasized that Nigeria needs to take action against the challenges affecting the fair delivery of justice to all its citizens. He mentioned that the event will take place on April 24 and 25 at the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The minister mentioned that one of the summit's objectives is to examine, approve and implement the updated National Policy on Justice 2024–2028. This policy aims to initiate reforms in prisons, enhance access to justice for ordinary Nigerians, and revise electoral laws and procedures for managing election-related issues among other reforms.

"This comprehensive policy document outlines a broad framework and initiatives in 17 thematic areas aimed at reforming the justice sector to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility to all Nigerians, ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all," the minister said.

He added, "The policy aims to address various challenges within the legal framework, seeking to promote social cohesion, bolster economic development, and foster good governance."

During the press conference, Fagbemi was accompanied by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yakubu Maikyau and top aides at the Ministry of Justice.

"The National Summit on Justice presents a unique opportunity to collectively tackle the pressing issues hindering the efficient, fair, and people-centered delivery of justice in our nation," Fagbemi said, Tribune Online reported.

The Joint Planning Committee, set up by the Federal Ministry of Justice and the NBA and led by Chairman of the NBA Judiciary Committee Babatunde Ajibade, has brought together a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists for the upcoming event.

They will share their valuable insights and expertise to offer solutions for improving the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system for all Nigerians during the summit, as per the Minister of Justice.

The Nigerian government earlier this week introduced a new mobile app called the "Citizens' Delivery Tracker," allowing citizens to monitor the work and achievements of ministries and administration agencies.