FG launches national plan to transform criminal justice system

Launch of National Action Plan on Criminal Justice Administration

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has officially launched the National Action Plan on Criminal Justice Administration. This initiative marks a significant step in transforming Nigeria’s legal framework from a ‘sophisticated text’ into a practical, efficient, and rights-respecting system.

During his keynote address at the high-level stakeholders coordination meeting held in Abuja, the Attorney-General highlighted that criminal justice is a ‘chain of coordinated responsibilities’ involving investigation, prosecution, and corrections. He warned that weak inter-agency collaboration leads to issues such as ‘missing case files, avoidable adjournments, and preventable rights violations.’

The new action plan is designed to bridge this gap by converting broad reform objectives into measurable outcomes with defined timelines. The AGF clarified that restorative justice is a structured complement to the rule of law, not a substitute, with strict exclusions for grave or strategic offences.

Acknowledging the persistent challenges of custodial congestion and fragmented processes, the AGF urged stakeholders to remain candid and open. He emphasized that ‘reform is not an event but a system of continuous improvement,’ reaffirming the government’s commitment to a justice system that is timely, humane, and deserving of public trust.

Institutional Synergy and Operational Necessity

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, called for institutional synergy, declaring that Nigeria’s criminal justice system can only succeed when law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional services function as a unified ‘ecosystem.’

The Chief Judge emphasized that coordination is an ‘operational necessity’ rather than a ceremonial gesture. Reviewing the 2025 Annual Impact Report, he highlighted significant milestones, including the launch of a Criminal Justice Reporting Portal, expanded duty solicitor schemes, and the implementation of e-filing systems for FCT Magistrate Courts.

These innovations are designed to tackle the ‘root causes’ of justice delays—specifically unlawful detentions and custodial congestion, according to him. ‘Justice delayed when institutions operate in silos is delivered when they function as an integrated system,’ the Chief Judge remarked, urging a shift from merely checking legal compliance to actively managing performance.

Strategic Shift Toward Uniform National Action Plan

Meanwhile, Evbu Igbinedion Esq., Executive Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACMC), announced a strategic shift toward a uniform National Action Plan to harmonise legal procedures across Nigeria. She noted that while all states have passed criminal justice laws, implementation has remained ‘fragmented and disjointed.’

Igbinedion emphasized that success hinges on collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs) and law enforcement, alongside sustained funding and oversight, to ensure ‘state A delivers the same standard of justice as state B.’

Key Components of the National Action Plan

• Coordination Mechanisms: Establishing robust inter-agency coordination to ensure seamless communication and collaboration among law enforcement, judiciary, and correctional services.
• Performance Management: Implementing systems to monitor and evaluate the performance of criminal justice institutions.
• Technology Integration: Expanding digital tools such as e-filing systems and online reporting portals to reduce delays and enhance transparency.
• Capacity Building: Training programs for legal professionals to improve their skills and efficiency in handling cases.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about their rights and the functioning of the criminal justice system to foster trust and cooperation.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain. Custodial congestion continues to be a major issue, with many detainees waiting for extended periods before their cases are resolved. Fragmented processes and lack of resources further hinder the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

However, the launch of the National Action Plan signals a renewed commitment to addressing these issues. With a focus on collaboration, technology, and continuous improvement, the goal is to create a justice system that is not only efficient but also fair and accessible to all citizens.