Firm, NGF sign MoU to expand access to justice nationwide

The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening people-centered justice and improving access to justice across Nigeria. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, HiiL Chief Executive Officer, Udo Jude Ilo, said the organisation was proud […]

The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening people-centered justice and improving access to justice across Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, HiiL Chief Executive Officer, Udo Jude Ilo, said the organisation was proud of its long-standing relationship with the NGF and expressed excitement over the growth of the Forum’s Secretariat.

“We are really very proud and excited with the relationship we’ve developed with the Governors’ Forum over the years. I was privileged to have interacted with the Forum in its early years when it was still operating from a rented apartment in Asokoro. Today, the growth in the number of directorates, departments and the calibre of professionals working here is impressive,” Ilo said.

He said the partnership aligns with HiiL’s commitment to promoting people-centered justice, which focuses on designing justice systems around the everyday needs of citizens.

“Our commitment is to help countries, institutions and communities see justice through the eyes of the people. The justice system must be accountable to the people so that justice consumers can feel a sense of ownership and trust in the system,” he said.

Ilo noted that findings from HiiL’s justice needs survey showed that most Nigerians seek justice through informal mechanisms, describing this as an opportunity to expand access to justice.

“A majority of Nigerians seek justice solutions from the informal justice sector. This presents an opportunity to close the justice gap by strengthening these pathways in a way that is standardised, documented and enforceable, so that a village woman does not have to travel long distances to resolve issues like land disputes,” he said.

He described the NGF as a strategic partner with the reach and capacity to translate innovative justice ideas into reality, adding that HiiL was committed to ensuring the MoU delivers tangible results.

“We don’t sign MoUs for the love of it,” Ilo said. “Our commitment is to ensure that something concrete comes out of this partnership and that Nigeria is better off because of it.”

Earlier, the Director-General of the NGF Secretariat, Abdulateef Shittu, said the MoU marked a significant step in deepening collaboration between both institutions.

“The Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today establishes a framework for structured and sustained collaboration between our two institutions. It reflects our shared resolve to promote people-centered justice in Nigeria—justice that is accessible, affordable, fair and responsive to the real needs of citizens,” Shittu said.

He described the agreement as a commitment to action rather than a symbolic gesture.

“This is not merely a symbolic agreement. It is a commitment to action, learning, innovation and measurable impact,” he said.

Shittu commended HiiL for its technical expertise and global perspective, expressing optimism that the partnership would deliver tangible outcomes, strengthen institutions and improve justice delivery for communities across the country.