WORKSHOP CHAMPIONS UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA
By Adelanke Akinmoladun
The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, with the support of the MacArthur Foundation and under the leadership of Professor Yemi Akinseye George SAN, FNIALS, on 13 August 2025, hosted a capacity-building workshop on the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the effective implementation of both the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL) in Nigeria.
The event, held at Royal Birds Hotel and Towers, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State, brought together key stakeholders in criminal justice administration, including members of the Judiciary (High Courts, Magistracy, and Registries), ACJMC, Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organizations (CSOs), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), and the Legal Aid Council.
Represented by Barrister Ugochukwu Emmanuel, Professor Yemi Akinseye George welcomed dignitaries and emphasized the workshop’s purpose: to create a platform for stakeholders to engage with and reflect on the provisions of the NMS document, deepening understanding and commitment to its effective implementation. He recalled that the NMS document was validated and adopted by stakeholders in September 2024, noting that since the project’s inception in 2019, two national assessments had been conducted to gauge ACJL implementation across states. He urged agency heads to advocate for and monitor the laws’ enforcement in line with national standards.
In his opening remarks, the Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the organizers for initiating the effort, even ahead of similar plans by the Ministry of Justice. He stressed that justice administration goes beyond legal processes, it reflects a commitment to fairness, equity, and the protection of human rights.
The Chief Registrar of the Ondo State High Court, Chief Registrar Akinsanya, lauded the Centre’s commitment, stressing that law is dynamic and must be reviewed periodically. Professor Olugbenga Oke-Samuel, Ondo State Coordinator 1 of the Centre, reiterated the need to harmonize criminal justice reforms across the country, citing past challenges with conflicting provisions between state and national laws.
Supporting the view, Barrister Olayinka Omololu highlighted that reforming the ACJLs will foster uniformity between states and the federal level, thereby advancing justice administration in Nigeria.
The workshop featured interactive sessions where stakeholders brainstormed on effective ACJA and ACJL implementation strategies, resulting in recommendations from various discussion groups.
The event closed with appreciation from the state coordinators, Professor Olugbenga Oke-Samuel (Coordinator 1) and Barr. Ilemobayo Babalola (Coordinator 2), to all guests for honoring the invitation.
