AGF reaffirms commitment to justice sector reform

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has reaffirmed the commitment to reform the justice sector by critical stakeholders.

Fagbemi gave the assurance during the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with the theme:”Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” noting that the choice of this year’s theme is a clear demonstration that the association understands their current national challenges and is prepared to participate in issues of national development.

He noted that this year’s event builds on the success of the last Conference, as he commended the NBA for continuing engagements and discussions on contemporary national issues of significance.

He said,”Over the years, the Annual General Conference has been used as a mechanism for institutional reflection, taking stock and charting the way forward for the legal profession, the rule of law and the administration of justice generally.

“For us in the Federal Ministry of Justice, today’s occasion provides us with another opportunity to present our key deliverables as we work collaboratively with the Bar and the Bench towards our collective desire to achieve a justice system that works in the interest of all Nigerians irrespective of status or any other attribute.

“You may recall that at my inauguration as AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister for Justice one of my key deliverables is a commitment to enable a framework for collaboration between my Ministry, the Judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association. I am pleased to report that we have made substantial progress in this area. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a collaborative National Justice Summit was convened by the Federal Ministry of Justice, National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association.

“What in my humble view is even more noteworthy is the statement of future activities presented in the format of a communique and signed by the Chief Justice of the Federation, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and myself. Going forward, these three institutions now have a framework and a joint agenda for cooperation, collaboration and commitment on Justice Sector Reform.

“I look forward to the continuous pursuit of this agenda by both the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and the incoming President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

This agenda for reform of the justice sector identifies several action points. Of note is the recognition that we cannot begin to debate judicial reform without paying attention to the conditions of service of judicial officers. Again, I am pleased to report that we have made progress in this area.

“On this, I want to particularly recognize the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his unwavering commitment to improving the status of judicial officers in Nigeria. I should also pay special tributes to the Nigeria Bar Association and the single-mindedness of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and his working group on justice sector reform and, of course, the role of our distinguished Body of Benchers, right from the periods of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Hon. Justice Mary Peter Odili, JSC (rtd) and Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for playing a major role in this achievement.”

Fagbemi added,”I have said that improved remuneration for us is not the beginning and the end of our intervention in the judiciary. We are keen to work collaboratively with all institutions of government so that other issues that are crucial to strengthening the capacity of our judiciary are dealt with expeditiously.

“You may also recall my severally stated commitment to public interest litigation. The Federal Ministry of Justice under my watch will continue to provide support to issues that touch on the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.