The federal government on Tuesday unveiled an initiative to reform the criminal justice system, reduce prison congestion, and promote restorative justice over strictly punitive measures.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, unveiled the National Minimum Standards (2025) and the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual (2025).

Speaking at the event, he said the minimum standard and manual were a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of criminal justice.

Mr Fagbemi noted that it will also promote a justice system that is not only effective but also humane, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of victims, offenders, and the wider community.

He said Nigeria has undertaken several reforms to improve the efficiency, fairness, and accountability of our criminal justice system.

“One of the key pillars of these reforms has been the implementation of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which introduced innovative mechanisms to ensure speedy justice delivery and the decongestion of correctional centres.

“The National Minimum Standards, therefore, provide a unified framework and benchmark for justice sector institutions and stakeholders to ensure consistency, accountability, and improved performance across the country.

“It will guide the institutionalisation of restorative justice programmes in Nigeria by establishing clear procedures, safeguards, and operational guidelines to ensure consistency, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

“Without any doubt in my mind, these documents will play a crucial role in strengthening the implementation of non-custodial measures and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,’’ he said.

The minister encouraged all participants to actively engage in the discussions to learn, unlearn and relearn while sharing stimulating perspectives on how best to adapt and apply restorative justice practices within their respective jurisdictions and institutions.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to continue strengthening the effective and responsive administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

“Our goal is to build a justice system that promotes accountability, protects and safeguards the rights of victims, supports the rehabilitation of offenders, and ultimately contributes to safer and more peaceful communities.

“In furtherance of this commitment, the Ministry of Justice will soon be convening a three-day intensive training programme on restorative justice for members of the judiciary and mediators.

“This training is designed to build practical capacity, deepen institutional understanding, and support the effective rollout and application of restorative justice practices across the country,’’ he said.

The chief judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, in his speech, noted that the ACJ Act, 2015, is a landmark reform in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He commended the development of the restorative justice training curriculum manual, which he said reflects a progressive shift towards a more humane and inclusive approach to justice delivery.

“It gives well-deserved attention to compensation of victims of crime, reconciliation, rehabilitation, and the active participation of victims, offenders and communities.

“It also complements conventional criminal justice mechanisms and fosters sustainable peace, in line with best global practice,” he said.

Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice Reforms, stressed that standards establish the operational benchmarks required to institutionalise restorative justice, ensuring that its implementation aligns with global best practices while remaining responsive to our local realities.

The training curriculum and manual, on the other hand, are designed to provide a comprehensive framework for training facilitators, ensuring consistency in practice and promoting professionalism in the delivery of restorative justice processes across jurisdictions.

Ms Ayoola-Daniels said, however, that these achievements would not have been possible without the strong leadership and unwavering support of the minister of justice.

She thanked all the development partners equally, particularly the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for their technical and programmatic support throughout this process.

 (NAN)