Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice sector, including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the European Union, and International IDEA, have adopted the 2024 National Minimum Standards Document for the uniform implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The adoption resulted from a three-day stakeholders’ meeting supported by the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-II) Programme.
The initiative seeks to provide a unified framework to assess and improve the implementation of the ACJA and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs) across Nigerian states. It aims to eliminate inconsistencies in criminal justice procedures and create a balanced justice system that upholds the rights of all parties. The document covers pre-trial case management, bail, remand protocol, and post-trial procedures.
Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Solicitor General Beatrice Jessy-Agba, highlighted that the ACJA ensures that offenders cannot evade justice by moving between states, promoting socio-economic development.
Other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association, EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Police, emphasised the importance of deepening reforms for the justice system’s efficiency.
The RoLAC-II Programme aims to enhance justice service delivery, promote transparency, and reduce gender-based violence, aligning with Nigeria’s anti-corruption and human rights objectives.
