Kehinde Fajobi
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to reforming Nigeria’s justice system on Tuesday, November 19.
He highlighted that the reforms are central to President Bola Tinubu’s developmental agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
Speaking at the Network of Justice Sector Reform Teams (JSRTs) conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, Fagbemi said, “The reform of the justice sector is at the heart of this administration’s developmental blueprint.
“One of the cardinal items on our Renewed Hope Agenda is to drive judicial reforms to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth and investment, facilitated by the rule of law, and to address the challenges militating against the administration of justice in our country.”
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice with support from the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, the conference aims to address issues affecting the justice system.
Fagbemi emphasised that justice is central to Nigerians’ collective aspirations for fairness, stability, and social cohesion.
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges that hinder the effectiveness and accessibility of the justice system but noted the government’s progress in implementing reforms.
He pointed to key initiatives such as the inauguration of the Presidential Committee for the Review and Update of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, aimed at modernising outdated laws.
Additionally, he highlighted the development of the National Policy on Arbitration and the National Policy on Justice.
“At the heart of our reform agenda in the justice sector is the National Policy on Justice, which identifies the root causes of the failures and inadequacies of the justice system.
“Its purpose is to consolidate various reform efforts and achieve inter-agency cooperation to drive holistic development,” Fagbemi stated.
He added that the federal government is working with state authorities to implement unified strategies for tackling shared challenges in the justice system.
Declaring the conference open, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said, “This conference couldn’t have come at a better time as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mobilises the Honourable Attorney General and his team to rejig the system for better outcomes.”
AbdulRazaq expressed confidence that the JSRT would address judicial reform issues, adding, “I have confidence that the JSRT will address all pending issues on judicial reforms from a position of knowledge and patriotism, and in a way that strengthens public confidence in the judicial system.”