The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, has decried a lack of centralised criminal registry in the country, noting that leveraging technology is essential and key in justice delivery.
While lauding the Nigeria Police as one of the few agencies with a database, the SGF described its limited accessibility to key stakeholders like prosecutors and judges, has created significant barriers to effective justice delivery, particularly during sentencing.
Jedy-Agba stated this in Abuja on Monday while giving a keynote address at a two-day strategic session for ICT representatives for the establishment of justice information management system
While also harping on needs for efficiency and effectiveness in the sector, the SGF noted that in an era where access to accurate and timely information is paramount to informed decision-making, digital transformation according to her has become an essential tool to optimize the delivery of justice
The absence of a comprehensive, accessible National Criminal Registry, she lamented has resulted in unreliable statistical analyses, with many criminal convictions going unrecorded.
She said: “This, in turn, impedes efforts to track serious crimes and maintain accurate crime data.
“While certain law enforcement agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Correctional Service, have made strides in digitizing their operations, these initiatives remain isolated, with no unified platform to coordinate national data management.
“The task before us is to develop a cohesive strategy to facilitate the collection, storage, sharing, and management of data across law enforcement, regulatory, and security agencies.
“A centralised National Database will serve as a critical tool to enhance coordination among justice sector institutions, streamline processes, and ultimately expedite the dispensation of justice.9. In line with Sections 16, 17, and 29 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ) has taken steps to integrate information technology across the justice sector. Initiatives to link custodial centers, police stations, courts, and other law enforcement bodies have been undertaken to monitor investigations and prosecutions.”
Jedy-Agba recalls that in 2019, an attempt was made to establish an automated case management system, including biometric data integration for inmates, to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Speaking further, she said: “The success of this initiative depends on your cooperation and collaboration. We must break down silos and ensure that our approach is inclusive, incorporating feedback and insights from all those on the frontlines of justice delivery. Today’s session provides an invaluable opportunity for us to listen, learn, and build a collective vision for the future of justice in Nigeria.
“The path to a more efficient, transparent, and accountable justice system requires not only your expertise and commitment but also your determination to champion this critical initiative. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen public trust and confidence in the justice system by fostering transparency, responsiveness, and fairness in every facet of its operations.”
Going forward, Jedy-Agba stated that a dgitally empowered justice system that can meet the demands of the 21st century is possible if stakeholders forged a path to a more effective and equitable system of justice.
Speaking earlier in a welcome remarks, the Director Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms at the ministry, Mrs Leticia Ayoola- Daniels, observed that the administrative inefficiencies in the justice system has continued to erode public trust and perpetuate inequities in the country legal system.
According to her, establishing a robust Justice Information Management System (JIMS) could serve as a catalyst for transformation that ensures transparency, accelerates case processing, and promotes equitable access to justice for all.
“By providing a centralised platform for information sharing, case management, and collaboration, JIMS would improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. With a phased implementation approach and the necessary investment in hardware, software, and training, Nigeria can establish a system that supports effective and efficient justice delivery which promotes the rule of law and confidence in the criminal justice process,” Ayoola-Daniels said.
In a brief remarks, the Country Representatives, UNODC US Embassy (TBC), Mr Cheikh Toure, noted that in order to achieve effective justice administration, Nigeria he said must curb the data management challenge currently facing it.
“Mainstreaming technology onto justice administration in the country is long overdue.
“It is also important to create synergies within the existing systems in order to create values,” he said.
Toure, who hailed the ministry efforts and that of funding partners, said UNODC, was poised to provide technical support to Nigeria to achieve a more effective digitalised justice system.
