CSLS Trains Lawyers, Judges On National Minimum Standards For Criminal Justice Reform
The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop in Jos to enhance the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and state laws.
Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, President of CSLS, represented by Executive Assistant Oyinloye Opajobi, emphasized the importance of the training in achieving compliance with National Minimum Standards (NMS) for criminal justice practices.
“The workshop is designed to deepen understanding among key stakeholders and the public to ensure the effective implementation of the ACJA and state laws,” Akinseye-George said.
The initiative aims to familiarize participants with the NMS, a guideline that outlines minimum requirements for states to implement the ACJA effectively. According to the CSLS President, the training is being conducted across various states to align them with best practices in criminal justice administration.
In Plateau State, the workshop brings together 50 participants, including judges, magistrates, members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and officials from the Ministry of Justice.
“The criminal justice system involves multiple sectors working together,” Akinseye-George noted. “Our goal is to engage all key players in the Administration of Criminal Justice process and educate them on their roles and expectations.”
The NMS recommendations aim to address systemic issues such as delays in trials, case backlogs, and overcrowding in correctional facilities, ultimately ensuring a more efficient and equitable criminal justice system.
This workshop underscores CSLS’s commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting reforms to uphold the principles of justice and fairness across Nigeria.
