Stakeholders Advocate For Increased Budget For Effective Oversight Of ACJL

A two-day advocacy workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 concluded in Katsina State on Thursday, with stakeholders calling for increased budgetary allocations to ensure effective oversight, monitoring, and implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL) in Nigeria.

Organized by CLEEN Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation, the workshop, titled “Research on the Compliance Level of Actors to the Provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws in the Eight Project States,” brought together experts from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Correctional Center, civil society organizations, Katsina State Ministry of Justice, Women Affairs, State House of Assembly, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers.

In his opening remarks, Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, emphasized the importance of examining state capacities to effectively implement the ACJL, addressing justice gaps, and ensuring adequate budgeting. Maduoma highlighted that strategic advocacy and communication are critical tools for achieving policy reform, and he expressed confidence that the workshop’s discussions would contribute significantly to the progress of ACJA/L across Nigeria.

“For CLEEN Foundation, it’s crucial that the deliberations in this two-day workshop drive substantial improvements in advancing the ACJA/L nationwide,” Maduoma stated. “The good news is that the ACJA is now enacted in all 36 states. However, real impact depends on effective implementation by responsible agencies and public awareness of the law’s benefits.”

Maduoma also acknowledged the support of the MacArthur Foundation, recognizing the donor’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.

Participants praised the workshop as a timely and essential initiative, underscoring its value in strengthening the criminal justice framework in Nigeria.