The Federal Government, on Thursday, said it has concluded plans to convene a national summit to address critical challenges plaguing the justice sector.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who made the disclosure during a press briefing he held at the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abuja, said the planned summit would pave the way for much needed reforms that would make justice more accessible to all Nigerians.
He said the National Summit on Justice, billed to hold between April 24 and 25, would be declared open by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the AGF, among issues that would be tabled at the Summit, would include a possible review of the extant electoral laws in the country.
He said: "The National Summit on Justice presents a unique opportunity to collectively tackle the pressing issues hindering the efficient, fair, and people-centered delivery of justice in our nation.
"This crucial event seeks to address the significant challenges plaguing Nigeria's justice sector and pave the way for much-needed reforms that will make justice more accessible to all Nigerians.
"It will bring together experts, legal professionals, and key stakeholders from across the country to engage in constructive discussions and develop practical solutions that prioritize the justice needs of the average Nigerian.
"One of the Summit's goals is to review, validate, and adopt the revised National Policy on Justice 2024- 2028 to drive prison reforms, access to justice for the average Nigerian, as well as the review of electoral laws and procedures in handling election related cases, among several other reforms.
"This comprehensive policy document outlines a broad framework and initiatives in 17 thematic areas aimed at reforming the justice sector to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility to all Nigerians, ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
"The policy aims to address various challenges within the legal framework, seeking to promote social cohesion, bolster economic development, and foster good governance.
"Furthermore, the Summit will deliberate on draft legislations proposed to address specific identified challenges within the justice sector, relating to the judicial appointments process, administration, funding and budgeting for the judiciary, the elimination of delays and inefficiencies in justice delivery and to evolve ways to reduce the amount of time for adjudication of cases, eliminate some of the associated technicalities, and reduce the number of cases getting to the Supreme Court.
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"In this regard, we intend to look at a situation where many cases will terminate at the court of appeal to reduce the burden on our noble justices of the Supreme Court.
"These proposed laws are expected to serve as a catalyst for collective action and provide a guiding framework for relevant governmental institutions at both the national and sub national levels to establish an effective, efficient, and people-centered justice system.
"We cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of the obstacles impeding the efficient delivery of justice for all Nigerians.
"This Summit presents an opportunity for us to unite our efforts, leverage our collective expertise, and chart a course toward a more just and equitable society.
While physical participation at the summit is by invitation only, virtual attendance will be open to all interested individuals who register to attend virtually in order to allow for a broader public engagement
"As we prepare for this milestone event, we are hopeful that the National Summit on Justice will usher in a new era of positive change and progress in our justice sector, ensuring a fair, accessible, and efficient legal system that upholds the rule of law while safeguarding fundamental human rights," the AGF added.
He gave the theme of the summit, which will hold at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, Abuja, as: "Repositioning the Justice System: Constitutional, Statutory, and Operational Reforms for Access and Efficiency."
