Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has made a passionate call for the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.
Speaking through Barrister David Emmanuel Kaswe, Assistant Director, Department of Public Prosecution, on Tuesday in Abuja, Fagbemi stressed the need for justice sector stakeholders, security institutions, civil society organisations, women’s groups, and the media to work collaboratively in achieving this goal.
According to the Minister of Justice, the ACJA holds the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions, empower citizens, and ensure a safer and more prosperous nation.
“As we launch this project, let us reaffirm our resolve to ensure its objectives are achieved, for they hold the promise of strengthening our democratic institutions, empowering our people, and building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” Fagbemi .
The Minister urged all relevant stakeholders to commit themselves to the successful execution of the project unveiled by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would create an inclusive justice system that promotes peace, protects rights, and enhances accessibility for all Nigerians.
Norway reaffirms commitment to justice and peace
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Michelle Hovi, Acting Chargé d’Affaires, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster justice and inclusive governance.
Representing His Excellency Svein Baera, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, she said, “Norway is proud to support initiatives that promote peace, justice, and inclusive societies. The work of CLEEN Foundation in advancing accountability, good governance, and community engagement aligns strongly with our shared values and our commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.”
Hovi highlighted that the project was not only a step towards strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Act but also a continuation of Norway’s collaboration with Nigerian civil society.
“This launch marks not only the beginning of a project, but also a continuation of our partnership with Nigerian civil society—partnerships that are built on trust, shared responsibility, and the belief that sustainable change comes from the grassroots and within communities,” she said.
The Norwegian government emphasised that the thematic areas of this initiative, which include advancing the Women, Peace and Security, WPS, agenda, reflect its own priorities. Norway’s support seeks to foster long-term reforms that resonate across Nigeria’s justice and security frameworks.
Administration Of Criminal Justice Act: CLEEN Foundation targets key states
In his remarks, Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, unveiled details of the project titled: “Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria.”
He explained that the project would build on CLEEN’s extensive experience in security sector reform and gender-responsive interventions to advance justice reforms, gender governance, peace, and security in Nigeria.
“We are also confident that working with our other strategic partners present in this hall, both at the national, sub-national and local levels, this intervention will consolidate previous efforts while strategically addressing critical gaps in the implementation of the ACJA/L in twelve states of Nigeria (Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ekiti, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom) and support the effective operationalization of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in five states: Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa,” he stated.
Maduoma expressed appreciation to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for being the founder of the initiative through the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
Dignitaries present at the unveiling event included Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Commissioner of Women Affairs, representatives from the legal community, civil society observatory groups, and various law enforcement agencies.
