In a decisive step towards criminal justice reform in Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee (ACJC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unveiled a Strategic Action Plan designed to address critical challenges facing the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and its state-level equivalents.
This initiative is coming on the heels of the Committee’s inauguration by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on February 4, 2025. and the presentation of the National Minimum Standard Implementation Committee Report On Administration Of Criminal Justice.
Under the able leadership of Nella Andem-Ewa SAN, FCIArb, FNIPR as Chairman and Osato Uwagboe as Secretary, the Committee is set to drive transformational change across the criminal justice landscape in Nigeria.
“There is no better time than now for the Bar to lead the crusade for efficient and equitable justice delivery in Nigeria,” said the Chairman, Nella Andem-Ewa SAN. “Our duty to promote and defend justice must start with ensuring access to justice for all.”
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN:
The Committee’s activities for June 2025 kicked off with the first phase of its 12-month Strategic Action Plan, focusing on assessing the current status of ACJA/ACJL implementation across selected states in line with National Minimum Standard Implementation Committee Report On Administration Of Criminal Justice.
Specific objectives and activities include: Objective: Assess the implementation status of ACJA/ACJL across states
Key Activities:
- Conduct baseline assessments in key pilot states.
- Develop and deploy implementation scorecards.
- Hold consultative sessions with key stakeholders, including the police, judiciary, correctional services, and civil society.
Expected Outcomes:
- A comprehensive identification of implementation gaps and bottlenecks.
- Clarity on policy and institutional weaknesses.
- Informed advocacy to secure stakeholder buy-in for collaboration and reform.
This action plan, earlier scheduled for May through July 2025, is crucial to forming a data-driven foundation for broader reforms in subsequent months.
Benefits to Nigerian Lawyers and the Public
The implementation of these Action Plan will bring measurable benefits to both legal practitioners and the wider Nigerian society:
For Lawyers:
- Access to valuable data on the status of ACJA implementation across jurisdictions.
- Increased engagement with ongoing reforms and opportunities for professional input and advocacy.
Strengthened collaboration with the NBA’s Institute of Continuous Legal Education to develop compulsory ACJA-focused training modules for CPD credits.
For Nigerians:
- Enhanced transparency and efficiency in the administration of criminal justice.
- Improved protection of defendants’ rights and quicker resolution of criminal cases.
- Greater public trust in justice sector institutions through improved accountability and coordination.
Collaboration for Success
To ensure the success of the the above Action Plan, the ACJC is working in close coordination with all law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, Correctional Services, the FCT Magistracy, Ministry of Women Affairs, NDLEA, the EFCC, and other key institutions.
This collaboration is essential for identifying challenges, harmonizing procedures, and building an inclusive roadmap for reform.
Strong Leadership, Stronger Commitment
The Committee has pledged its unwavering commitment to align its work with national priorities, including the objectives of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and the National Minimum Standard Technical Working Group.
The leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has been widely acclaimed for his bold vision and support for justice sector reform.
His nomination of the Committee and his strategic direction continue to inspire a strong sense of duty within the NBA.
“Our collective effort will restore public confidence in our justice system,” said President Osigwe. “We owe it to our profession and our people to be the change agents in this sector.”
As the month unfolds, the NBA’s Administration of Criminal Justice Committee is poised to set a new benchmark for justice reform, beginning with it’s targeted interventions.
The journey toward a more efficient, accountable, and people-centered criminal justice system has truly begun.
Signed:
Nella Andem-Ewa SAN, FCIArb, FNIPR, Committee Chair,
Osato Uwagboe, Secretary
