Three-Day Review and Validation of National Minimum Standard Document and Inauguration of the National Working Group on the Implementation of the Criminal Justice Act/Law 2015

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme made significant strides in strengthening Nigeria's criminal justice system by supporting the Federal Ministry of Justice to develop a National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and corresponding state laws (ACJL). This initiative addresses critical gaps that have emerged in the implementation of the ACJA since its enactment in 2015.
The enactment of the ACJA paved the way for several states to adopt their own versions of the law, but discrepancies in interpretation and enforcement have hindered the realization of its full potential. The need for National Minimum Standards became apparent to guide all states in implementing the law effectively and uniformly.
This reform is crucial to enhancing transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in tackling prison overcrowding, promoting restorative justice, and protecting vulnerable groups such as women, juveniles, and persons with disabilities.