The Federal Ministry of Justice today convened a high-level National Stakeholders’ Conference on Justice Sector Reform at the Nasarawa State Government Banquet Hall, bringing together critical actors from across Nigeria’s justice architecture to advance a coordinated and modernized approach to justice delivery nationwide.
Organized under the auspices of the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) the Ministry’s flagship inter-agency mechanism the conference reaffirmed the central and indispensable leadership role of the Federal Ministry of Justice in driving nationwide reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering an efficient, transparent, and technology-driven justice system in line with global best practices.
In his opening address, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Abdullahi A. Sule, expressed profound appreciation for the presence of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, noting that the Minister’s participation underscores the deepening cooperation between federal and state structures in pursuit of a just and equitable society.
The Governor emphasized the economic importance of a predictable justice system.
“Investors are not only searching for resources they are searching for certainty. They want a jurisdiction where the rule of law is not a slogan but a lived reality. They want assurance that agreements will be respected, regulatory frameworks are stable, and that in cases of disputes, they will access a fair, impartial, and efficient justice system.”
He highlighted that interoperability seamless collaboration among courts, Ministries of Justice, law enforcement agencies, and other institutions is not merely an administrative aspiration but an economic necessity. This, he said, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which Nasarawa State is fully committed to domesticating.
Governor Sule urged participants to take advantage of the gathering to generate actionable solutions.
“Let us move from diagnostics to implementation by developing concrete strategies that will strengthen justice delivery across the country.”
HAGF Fagbemi Commends Nasarawa, Calls for Strengthened Coordination Across Justice Institutions
In his keynote address, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Nasarawa State Attorney General for hosting the event, describing their commitment as a model for other states.
He commended Nasarawa State’s progress in implementing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, digitalizing justice processes, and aligning reforms with national priorities.
According to him “The justice system must be viewed as a chain and that chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For commercial disputes or criminal matters to be resolved efficiently, every component of the justice ecosystem must operate in harmony.”
Fagbemi reiterated the Federal Ministry of Justice’s resolve to strengthen inter-agency coordination, expand digital justice tools, and fast-track reforms that directly impact economic growth, investor confidence, and citizens’ access to justice.
Solicitor General Highlights Role of the Ministry in Driving National Reform Infrastructure
In her welcome remarks, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, mni, appreciated the Nasarawa State Government for hosting the conference and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining reform momentum.
She emphasized that the Ministry, through its technical and administrative leadership, is responsible for building and sustaining the backbone that supports national justice reform efforts.
Jedy-Agba stressed the real-world implications of weak interoperability.
“For the ordinary citizen, lack of interoperability means delay, cost, and frustration. For the business community, it means uncertainty. Investor confidence is built not only on the strength of our laws but on the speed and efficiency with which the justice system operates.”
Development Partners, Experts Commit to Supporting Nigeria’s Reform Path
Representing the European Union, Mr. Oluwatoyi Oluwajobi, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment as a development partner in strengthening Nigeria’s justice sector. He noted that the EU is looking beyond the forum to the practical implementation of resolutions and recommendations emerging from such engagements, especially in the digital justice space.
He commended the Ministry for the conference theme, noting its alignment with global principles for improving business-related access to justice.
Also presenting at the conference, Professor Tabiu Muhammad highlighted the EU-funded ROLAC II Programme’s support in helping the Federal Ministry of Justice develop and adopt a comprehensive four-year Strategic Plan. This plan identifies priority areas requiring structured monitoring, evaluation, research, documentation, and learning (MERL) systems, which he described as essential in measuring the Ministry’s impact on governance and national development.
He outlined key justice challenges affecting businesses in Nigeria, including trial delays, weak judgment enforcement, inconsistent regulations, corruption, indiscipline, fragmented dispute resolution systems, and limited adoption of technology.
The National Stakeholders’ Conference marks another significant stride by the Federal Ministry of Justice in building a modern, efficient, and citizen-centered justice system. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, justice sector institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations to drive reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and support sustainable economic growth.
Signed
Hauwa Bala
Head, Information & Public Relations
