‘140m Nigerians lack access to justice’

At least 140 million Nigerians lack meaningful access to justice, the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) has said. The Country Representative of HiiL in Nigeria, Ijeoma Nwafor, disclosed this on Wednesday at the launch of guidelines aimed at preventing and resolving land disputes between farmers and herders in Benue State. She noted that […]

At least 140 million Nigerians lack meaningful access to justice, the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) has said.

The Country Representative of HiiL in Nigeria, Ijeoma Nwafor, disclosed this on Wednesday at the launch of guidelines aimed at preventing and resolving land disputes between farmers and herders in Benue State.

She noted that the high cost of legal processes and delays in the justice system continue to deny many citizens timely and effective justice.

“About 140 million Nigerians lack meaningful access to justice. People are burdened by the cost and delays associated with seeking justice,” she said.

Nwafor added that the situation reflects a global challenge driven by limited access to justice systems.

She explained that HiiL, a non-governmental organisation and implementing partner of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, advocates for a people-centred justice approach that focuses on accessible, affordable, and practical solutions.

The country representative maintained that the programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through Tetra Tech engages directly with communities rather than relying solely on formal court systems, identifying gaps that prevent citizens from seeking redress.

She said, “Many people feel a sense of injustice but have nowhere to turn. There is a gap between formal justice institutions and the needs of ordinary people.”

Nwafor added that HiiL’s interventions prioritise grassroots engagement, including consultations with farmers, herders, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies to develop workable solutions.

She expressed confidence that the guidelines unveiled at the event were developed through extensive research and stakeholder consultations across Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, and Benue states under the SPRiNG programme and would be helpful if adopted at the community level.

She noted that the guidelines are designed to provide practical and evidence-based approaches to preventing and managing land-related conflicts, stressing that the HiiL initiative aligns with its global goal of enabling at least 150 million people to resolve pressing justice problems by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.3, which promotes access to justice for all.

Nwafor assured that the organisation would continue to collaborate with government institutions, civil society groups, and community leaders to strengthen justice delivery and promote peaceful coexistence in conflict-prone communities.

Earlier, the paramount ruler of Idoma kingdom, Ochi’doma, Dr. John Eliagwu Odogbo, commended the organisation for its effort to solving land related issues tied to insecurity in Benue.

The Ochi’doma represented by the First Class chief of Enone, Engr. George Ede, added that traditional rulers in the state were becoming more efficient in resolving land disputes in their various domains.