Tinubu reaffirms commitment to justice sector reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and improving the efficiency, fairness, and transparency of Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Represented by his Chief of Staff, the President conveyed his goodwill message on Monday at a national symposium convened to mark 10 years of the Administration of Criminal […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and improving the efficiency, fairness, and transparency of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, the President conveyed his goodwill message on Monday at a national symposium convened to mark 10 years of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. The event, organised by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), brought together senior figures from all arms of government and key justice sector institutions.

The symposium provided a platform to review the decade-long implementation of the ACJA—Nigeria’s landmark procedural reform that unified criminal justice processes—and to assess achievements, gaps, and the reforms required over the next ten years.

Delegates included representatives of the Executive, Judiciary, Legislature, law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, civil society, development partners, and international organisations. Heads of courts, attorneys-general, heads of criminal justice institutions, and other senior stakeholders from across the federation and the FCT also attended.

In his address, the Chief of Staff highlighted the ACJA’s significant contributions to modernising criminal justice administration but noted that more work is needed. He outlined strategic priorities for the next phase of reform, such as harmonising national and state-level ACJA/ACJL frameworks, improving bail administration, strengthening accountability for law enforcement agencies, expanding legal aid, and accelerating digital transformation of court processes.

He also underscored the need for continuous training, better infrastructure, stronger oversight, enhanced use of technology, and greater public awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights under the ACJA.

The Presidency, he added, looks forward to the recommendations emerging from the symposium and remains committed to the full implementation of the ACJA and other justice reforms aimed at ensuring accessible and effective justice for all Nigerians.

A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the Criminal Justice Reporting Portal and the adoption of a National Strategy on Criminal Justice Administration. Both initiatives are expected to provide unified, long-term direction for strengthening the implementation of the ACJA and corresponding state laws across the country.