As a way of building stronger and more trusting relationships among the Federal Ministry of Justice, its agencies and the citizens, constant engagements or public participation have over the years enhanced accountability and transparency in addition to promoting a sense of belonging on the part of the governed; KEHINDE OSASONA reports.
Overview
In developing countries, Citizen Engagement has not only served as an efficient tool to address glaring challenges, it has also helped in reforming government agenda via social equality, efficient public service delivery, enhancing government transparency and accountability among others.
As envisioned by the SDG 16, citizens’ engagement is crucial for building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. Another important role of citizens’ engagement
By enhancing citizen engagement in public governance through feedback, enables government and public decision-making organizations to listen and, in turn, demonstrate the impact of community contribution.
Consequently, as part of its resolve to keep up with the tradition, the Information and Public Relations Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice under the headship of Mrs. Modupe Ogundoro organised a citizen engagement programme aimed at updating the citizens on the on-going justice sector reforms.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Directors, Special Assistants and senior officers of the Ministry, journalists and other media stakeholders were present at the event.
The whys
In her welcome address, Ogundoro noted that the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department (ACJR&D) and the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) were the drivers delivering the impactful reforms so far recorded by the Ministry to address the needs of Nigerians.
The objective of the engagement session, according to her, is to update citizens on the milestones achieved by the Ministry in the out-going year, and to receive feedback from citizens on the justice sector reforms.
At the end, the platform, she added, will help in identifying areas for improvement, increased awareness and understanding of the justice sector reforms, improve citizen engagement and participation in the justice sector, identify areas for improvement and future reforms, strengthen partnerships between the Ministry, its partners, and citizens.
Ogundoro said, “As the Ministry strives to improve the justice sector, we recognise the importance of citizen engagement and participation as contained in the ministerial deliverables.
“Your input is therefore crucial in shaping policies and reforms, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the Nigerian citizens.
“Today, we gather to reflect on our progress, receive your invaluable feedback, and look forward to future improvements. Our collaborative spirit is evident in our work with key stakeholders, including the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department (ACJR&D) and the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC), who are the drivers delivering these impactful reforms that address the needs of Nigerians.”
Continuing, she said, “As the Ministry strives to improve the justice sector, we recognise the importance of citizen engagement and participation as contained in the ministerial deliverables. Your input is therefore crucial in shaping policies and reforms, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the Nigerian citizens.
“Over the next couple of hours, we will share updates on milestone achievements in the justice sector, challenges, and future plans. We will also provide opportunities for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and provide feedback.
“The objective of the Engagement Session is to update citizens on the milestones achieved by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the outgoing year, to receive feedback from citizens on the justice sector reforms, to provide a platform for citizens to engage with the Ministry and its partners, to identify areas for improvement and future reforms.
“At the end of this engagement, it is expected that it will increase awareness and understanding of the justice sector reforms, improve citizen engagement and participation in the justice sector, identify areas for improvement and future reforms, and strengthen partnerships between the Ministry, its partners, and citizens.”
In his remarks at the parley, Fagbemi declared that the Ministry had achieved milestone achievement in the outgoing year.
The remarkable progress recorded by the Ministry according to him in recent years by his estimation was driven by the dedication and hard work of the departments and units of the Ministry, partners, and stakeholders.
The feats in the words of the minister underscored the unwavering commitment of the Ministry towards fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria.
He said, “The justice sector has made remarkable progress in recent years, driven by the dedication and hard work of the departments and units of the Ministry, partners, and stakeholders.”
He cited development and adoption of the National Policy on Justice, 2024, which was developed in collaboration with stakeholders to address the challenges militating against effective administration of justice in Nigeria, as a precursor of the 2017 – 2023 Policy.
Others, according to him, are; the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2024, Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, facilitation of speedy dispensation of justice among others.
On the ACJA, Fagbemi said, “The Attorney-General is obligated to make these reports available upon request to human rights organisations, and in cases where no report is submitted, the Magistrate must escalate the matter to the Chief Judge and state Attorney-General for appropriate action. Section 34 of the Act mandates the magistrates to conduct monthly inspections of Police Stations and detention facilities within their territorial jurisdiction, with the provision that in the absence of a Chief Magistrate, any Magistrate designated by the Chief Judge can perform this duty.
“In the course of the visit, the magistrate is expected to inspect the police detention register inspect the cells, interview the suspects to know when they were arrested, the offense for which they were arrested, and whether they are humanely treated while they are in detention, grant bail in deserving cases where the magistrate has jurisdiction.”
The AGF reminded stakeholders that the day’s engagement offered a unique opportunity for open dialogue, which will enable all to identify gaps, propose solutions, and prioritise actions for the next phase of justice sector reforms.
AGF’s stance
While highlighting further the achievements, the AGF said the development and adoption of the National Policy on Justice, 2024 – 2028 was developed in collaboration with stakeholders to address the challenges militating against effective administration of justice in Nigeria.
The policy, he said, outlines 11 objectives and identifies 20 thematic areas for reforming the justice system.
“It also provides a broad framework for effective collaboration between federal and state justice institutions through an effective mechanism for resolving cross-institutional and cross-sector challenges.”
Other areas touched by the minister are the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which seeks to reform the administration of criminal justice through speedy dispensation of justice, protection of human rights, accountability, and oversight between and amongst criminal justice institutions.
Going forward
As all stakeholders play their parts in shaping a future that works in all interests via such an epoch engagement, it is believed as rightly observed by the minister that the Ministry would latch on to the current achievements for another milestone to be recorded not only by the Ministry alone, but by the justice sector as a whole come 2025 and beyond.
