In Nigeria, the Legal Aid Council advocates for enhanced solutions to address the persistent challenges of awaiting trial inmates and the welfare of prisoners across the nation.
Aliyu Bagudu, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, underscored this imperative during an event convened by the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) in Abuja.
Aliyu Bagudu, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, emphasised the necessity to reassess and strategise justice initiatives for the current administration.
With reports from the Nigeria Correctional Service revealing over 80,000 inmates, 50,000 of whom await trial, urgent action is imperative to ensure equitable access to justice for all Nigerians, including the incarcerated individuals deserving humane treatment.
Bagudu raised concerns regarding budget allocations, citing the striking contrast between the N750 allotted for inmate feeding and the N800 designated for canine sustenance.
He advocates for increased financial provisions to bolster access to justice and elevate service standards across justice institutions.
Marcus Obiene, Special Adviser to the President on Justice Reform, stressed the importance of resolving policy and operational inefficiencies within justice institutions to optimise their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic and political advancement.
Victoria Ojogbane, Director of Planning and Research at the Federal Ministry of Justice, underscored the significance of inter-agency collaboration to fulfil the ministry’s mandate effectively.
