Cross section of stakeholders at the project launch on Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria led by Hon Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR, Administrator, National Judicial Institute.
Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Later Fagbemi, has urged stakeholders across the justice sector to commit to the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Speaking through Barrister David Emmanuel Kaswe at an event in Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized that effective enforcement of the ACJA could strengthen democratic institutions, protect rights and build a safer nation. He called for collaboration among security agencies, civil society, women’s groups and the media to drive the law’s objectives.
The initiative, launched by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, seeks to close implementation gaps in 12 states while advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in five.
Michelle Hovi, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to justice and inclusive governance, noting that sustainable reforms must come from the grassroots and within communities.
CLEEN Foundation’s Acting Executive Director, Peter Maduoma, said the project would build on the organization’s track record in security sector reform and gender-responsive programming. He said that the intervention will consolidate previous efforts while addressing critical gaps in the implementation of the ACJA.
Dignitaries at the Abuja launch included judicial administrators, women’s affairs representatives, legal practitioners, law enforcement and civil society leaders underscoring broad-based support for what many see as a pivotal step in strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.
