The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, has called for a comprehensive review of laws and policies governing the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to improve access to justice, particularly for young people.
Ms. Abiola made this appeal during an Access to Justice roundtable meeting in Abuja, held as part of the activities marking the 2024 International Youth Day.
She highlighted that, while economic empowerment and education are crucial for the future of young Nigerians, safeguarding their rights within the criminal justice system is equally important for building a just and equitable society.
“A key step in the quest to build a truly just and equitable society is to enhance access to justice for young people navigating the criminal justice system,” Abiola stated.
Reflecting on her earlier visit to Kuje Correctional Centre with the Honorable Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Abiola noted that the majority of incarcerated individuals in Nigeria’s correctional facilities are young people, many of whom are still awaiting trial. She stressed the importance of reviewing the current laws and policies to better protect the welfare, rights, and interests of these young individuals.
Ms. Abiola assured that the roundtable was not merely a “talk shop,” emphasizing that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to youth development, a core element of his Renewed Hope agenda. She pointed to various initiatives like the NELFUND (Student loans), Nigeria Youth Academy, and the Corpreneur scheme as evidence of the government’s dedication to supporting and empowering young Nigerians.
The event was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF/LEAP Africa), Public and Private Development Council (PPDC), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
