Explore data-driven pathways for justice accessibility – Experts
Legal experts have called on the government to explore data-driven pathways for making justice accessible to the people. The call was made by experts during a one-day conference for justice stakeholders titled “Implementing People-Centred Justice: The Nigerian Story” and organised by the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) in Abuja. Speakers such as a […]
Legal experts have called on the government to explore data-driven pathways for making justice accessible to the people.
The call was made by experts during a one-day conference for justice stakeholders titled “Implementing People-Centred Justice: The Nigerian Story” and organised by the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) in Abuja.
Speakers such as a judge of the Ogun State judiciary, Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora, who introduced “Ibi Isadi”, which embeds HiiL’s pilots in health centres; Magistrate Rebecca Kuwot Suku, who used local-language contracts for preventing costly disputes; and Evangelist Michael O. Ikoku, who launched a dispute resolution radio programme following his family’s experience, all stressed on the solution to justice accessibility.
Similarly, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, Bashir Maidugu,Esq., highlighted the need to reform legal language, increase accessibility, and ensure that community-based justice complements the formal system.
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In his closing remarks, the SSA to the President on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology representing the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Marcus-Obiene, stressed the constitutional responsibility of the government to the welfare of the people.
During the session, challenges such as domestic violence, land disputes, and employment conflicts continue to impact millions, many of whom lack clear pathways to resolution.
It was noted that trust in the judiciary remains relatively high, while barriers like cost, complexity and distance drive people to informal channels, family networks, traditional leaders and community negotiation.
Earlier, HiiL’s Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Zainab Malik, drew from global data and live experiences to describe a world in the midst of a crisis of trust, with over one billion people exposed to violence and over 5.1 billion lacking meaningful access to justice for everyday problems.