Today, the Federal Ministry of Justice, with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme, organised a needs assessment meeting focused on implementing plea bargaining guidelines in Nigeria.
This high-level discussion, hosted by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, aimed to gather input from the legal community to enhance the efficiency of plea bargaining as a legal tool.
Key participants included notable NBA branch members such as Mr. Dele Ojo, the NBA Garki Branch Chairman, and NC Nwachukwu from the NBA Gwagwalada Branch. Experts from international institutions, including Dr Hakeem Bello and Dr PC Okorie, both consultants with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme, also attended.
Federal Ministry of Justice and NBA Collaborate to Enhance Plea Bargaining Guidelines in Nigeria
The Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Leticia Ayoola Daniels, In her opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the meeting. She emphasised that the objective was to seek the Nigerian Bar Association’s input on effective strategies for implementing the plea bargaining policy in Nigeria, drawing from local experiences as well as international best practices.
The Ministry also sought the NBA’s support for upcoming training sessions scheduled between November 2024 and May 2025. These sessions will equip defence lawyers with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the plea bargaining system and ensure its efficient operation.
Plea Bargaining in Nigeria: A Brief Overview
Plea bargaining is a legal process in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or the dismissal of more serious charges. In Nigeria, it was formally introduced as part of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which sought to modernise the criminal justice system, reduce delays, and ease prison congestion.
Despite its advantages, including swift resolution of cases and alleviating the burden on courts, the plea bargaining process has faced criticism. Some have expressed concern that it may allow wealthy or influential individuals to avoid harsher punishments, thereby undermining justice.
This is where the collaboration with the NBA becomes crucial, as the legal fraternity’s input can help shape a framework that ensures the fair and transparent use of plea bargaining.
This needs assessment meeting is part of a broader effort to fine-tune the plea bargaining guidelines, ensuring that they align with international standards while adapting to the specific needs of Nigeria’s legal system.
Through this, the Federal Ministry of Justice and its partners hope to strengthen the rule of law and improve the efficiency of criminal justice processes in the country.
