The Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) has called for an in-depth synergy among judicial stakeholders to achieve its mandate optimally.

The stakeholders made the proposal on Wednesday during the three-day retreat in Lagos.

The FJDRCC organised the event in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).

Legal Aid Council director-general Aliyu Bagudu advocated for a realistic and result-oriented solution to the unending problems of awaiting trial inmates and care for prison inmates across the country.

Mr Bagudu said, “The recent information from the Nigeria Correctional Service of over 80,000 inmates, with over 50,000 of them awaiting trial in the various facilities across the country, is worrisome.

“There is the need to urgently deal with the issue of access to justice and for these prisoners to be catered for in accordance with the international best practices.

“There should be some insightful and robust discussions on increased budgetary provisions to promote access to justice and better service delivery for the various institutions in the justice sector.’’

Mr Bagudu added that access to justice funds, as the constitution provides, should be made operational.

FJSRCC co-chair Muhammed Tabiu noted that one of the retreat’s objectives was to develop a strategic plan for 2024-2027 aligning with the federal government’s priorities.

Mr Tabiu added that the plan contained the Federal Ministry of Justice deliverables within the FJSRCC’s mandate.

He urged members to see how they could enlighten their various organisations to work together in moving Nigeria forward.

The special adviser to the president on Justice Reform in the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Fernandez Obiene, emphasised the need for the relevant institutions to resolve policy and operational lapses.

Mr Obiene said this would ensure that the justice sector played its crucial role in the economic and political development of the country.

(NAN)