In a strategic move to deepen justice sector reforms and innovation in Nigeria, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, alongside members of the National Executive Committee, received a delegation from the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) at the NBA Secretariat in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Mr. Udo Jude Ilo, the newly appointed CEO of HiiL, who is currently visiting Nigeria. Welcoming the delegation, the NBA President thanked Mr. Ilo for the invitation extended to the Association to participate in the recently concluded Justice Matters Conference held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. He described the visit as timely and filled with promise, underscoring the NBA’s ongoing commitment to championing reforms that improve access to justice.
“While we may not be able to fix all the problems in our society at once, we must identify our purpose and deliver on what is within our reach,” Mazi Afam Osigwe stated, reiterating the Association’s resolve to pursue impactful and sustainable justice sector reforms.
Mr. Ilo expressed gratitude for the warm reception and acknowledged his longstanding relationship with the NBA, having served previously as a Programs Director within the Association. He gave an overview of HiiL’s 20-year journey in driving innovation in justice delivery and shared insights from its Justice Needs project—an initiative that has surveyed over 4,000 Nigerians and been conducted in more than 27 countries worldwide.
“One key insight from our research in Nigeria is that many cases making their way to formal courts are matters that could be better resolved through alternative mechanisms. This clogs the justice system and highlights the need for more accessible and people-centered solutions,” Mr. Ilo said.
He emphasized that HiiL’s mission is to bring justice closer to the people by promoting innovative, responsive, and tailored approaches based on the lived experiences of citizens. Mr. Ilo expressed HiiL’s desire to partner with the NBA in amplifying its advocacy and influencing government policy through evidence-based engagement.
The NBA President welcomed this proposal and assured the delegation of the Association’s readiness to work with HiiL on strategic initiatives that improve justice access. “The need to entrench a people-centered justice system in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized,” he said. He also used the opportunity to formally congratulate Mr. Ilo on his appointment as CEO of the Hague-based institute.
The visit marks the beginning of what both institutions believe will be a mutually beneficial partnership, dedicated to reimagining and delivering justice that works for all.
