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International IDEA, other development partners to hold National Justice Summit
International IDEA, other development partners to hold National Justice Summit
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International DEA) and other development partners, convened a National Justice Summit to foster dialogue and reimagine justice delivery in Nigeria.
The justice system in Nigeria has continued to play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Nigeria has made commendable progress to strengthen access to justice, but challenges that include trial delays, and prison congestion persist, with several, especially women, children and persons with disability not enjoying effective access to justice.
To address these issues and drive comprehensive reform was the reason for the convocation of the National Justice Summit, which is a gathering of key stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice system. The first summit held in 2017 and resulted in the adoption of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Justice (NPJ), a well thought out response to myriad problems that bedeviled Nigeria’s justice sector.
The NPJ 2017 offered a comprehensive framework for achieving equitable, fair and efficient administration of Justice. Its aim was to enhance access to justice for all, promote transparency, strengthen legal protections and ensure timely delivery of justice.
Five years later, the NPJ is now undergoing revision. Under the banner of the National Justice Summit 2024, Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, Solicitors-General from Nigeria’s 36 states will convene under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, to adopt the revised National Policy on Justice 2024. The Summit, which will hold on April 24-25, 2024, will be declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will have the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and members of the legal fraternity among others in attendance.
RoLAC II’s contributions to the National Policy on Justice aim to improve the legal framework for criminal justice delivery in Nigeria, move state interventions in the criminal justice sector towards resolving perennial trial delays and prison congestion in a sustainable manner, and access to justice for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Once adopted, the National Policy on Justice will be the roadmap that guides government, civil society and donor interventions for justice delivery in Nigeria.
International IDEA is the implementer of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, which is funded by the European Union. The RoLAC II Programme aims to contribute to the consolidation of rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria. With a focus on enhancing the performance, quality, and oversight of the criminal justice system and justice service delivery, the Programme promotes transparency, accountability, and effectiveness within the Nigerian justice sector. Building on the achievements of the previous RoLAC I Programme, RoLAC II aligns with the objectives of the EU – Federal Republic of Nigeria Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2022-2027. It aims to further consolidate the justice sector and anti-corruption reforms, reduce gender-based violence, and promote respect for human rights.
International IDEA, other development partners to hold National Justice Summit
News
UPDATE: Five dead, 35 injured in suicide IED attack on Gamborun mosque
UPDATE: Five dead, 35 injured in suicide IED attack on Gamborun mosque
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than five worshippers were killed, while 35 others sustained injuries on Wednesday following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack by a suicide bomber at a mosque in Gamborun area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. during Magrib prayers when the attacker detonated the IED inside the mosque, which was filled with worshippers.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident, saying the explosion killed five persons on the spot and left 35 others with varying degrees of injuries.
Daso said the injured victims were immediately evacuated to hospitals in Maiduguri for medical treatment.
He added that men of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, alongside other security agencies, were deployed to the scene to secure the area, cordon off the vicinity and conduct thorough checks to rule out the presence of secondary explosive devices.
UPDATE: Five dead, 35 injured in suicide IED attack on Gamborun mosque
News
Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed
Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Several worshippers were killed on Tuesday after an explosive device detonated inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosion occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, causing panic and chaos within the busy market area.
Eyewitnesses said the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.

Traders and residents in the area were seen fleeing the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while others attempted to assist victims before emergency responders arrived.
Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment of the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.
Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed
News
Igbo Association Raises Alarm Over Abuja–South East Highways, Seeks Urgent Federal Action
Igbo Association Raises Alarm Over Abuja–South East Highways, Seeks Urgent Federal Action
By: Michael Mike
Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have expressed worries about the worsening condition of major highways linking Abuja to the South East, warning that continued neglect has turned the roads into serious safety hazards for commuters and businesses.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (ICA FCT) said the poor state of the road network had persisted for decades, despite repeated appeals for rehabilitation.
The group in a statement signed by the association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Mazi Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah,
noted that large sections of the highways are riddled with potholes, failed portions and weak security presence, making travel dangerous and discouraging economic activities between the North Central and South East regions.
The group argued that the situation reflects long-standing infrastructure neglect and an uneven distribution of national resources, adding that the dilapidated roads have become attractive routes for criminal operations, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
According to ICA FCT, the impact of the bad roads goes beyond transportation challenges, contributing to youth frustration, reduced commercial exchanges and a growing sense of exclusion among people of the South East. The association urged the Federal Government to declare an emergency on the affected corridors and begin immediate reconstruction to ensure the safety of travelers, particularly during the festive season.
The association also called on lawmakers from the South East and the Minister of Works to take responsibility for restoring the roads to acceptable standards, stressing that infrastructure development is critical to national cohesion and economic growth.
Warning of political consequences, the group said communities in the South East would hold their representatives accountable if tangible progress is not recorded before the 2027 general elections. It added that voters would be mobilized to oppose the re-election of lawmakers perceived to have failed in addressing the issue.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Igbo people, the ICA FCT said it would continue to advocate for improved infrastructure, enhanced security and equitable development across all regions of the country.
End
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