By Jelili Gbadamosi
Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has said the Federal Government’s ongoing judicial reforms are aimed at expanding access to justice for poor and indigent Nigerians while tackling congestion in detention facilities across the country.
Fagbemi stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating the Governing Board of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, chaired by Justice Sulyman Durosinlorun Kawu.
He charged the newly inaugurated board to adopt strategic measures that would reduce overcrowding in correctional centres, clear court dockets and safeguard the fundamental rights of suspects from the point of arrest.
According to the minister, the reforms are designed to make Nigeria’s justice system more efficient, transparent, accountable and people-centred, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
He said the Legal Aid Council plays a critical role in ensuring that poverty does not prevent citizens from accessing justice, describing the institution as “the moral compass” of the country’s justice delivery system.
Fagbemi urged the board to strengthen the implementation of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitors Scheme (CDSS) to accelerate the release of deserving awaiting-trial inmates and improve access to legal representation.
He also called on the board to support ongoing reforms under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) by contributing to proposed legislative amendments that would align Nigeria’s legal framework with current realities and global best practices.
The Attorney General further encouraged the board to explore partnerships with development organisations, strengthen pro bono collaborations with the Nigerian Bar Association, leverage legal technology and deepen cooperation with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and civil society groups.
While assuring the board of the Federal Government’s support, Fagbemi reminded members that their responsibility is to provide policy direction and strategic oversight without interfering in the day-to-day administration of the council.
He expressed confidence that the board would strengthen access to justice for vulnerable Nigerians and advance the Federal Government’s broader legal reform agenda.
