The Public and Private Development Centre has provided free legal representation to 5,595 detainees, as part of its efforts to address the poor access to justice in Nigeria.

Lucy Abagi, PPDC CEO, stated this on Monday in Abuja at the centre’s ‘Law For Humanity Summit 2025’. PPDC is a non-governmental organisation and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government.

Ms Abagi said that 164 of those detainees regained their freedom after years of detention, adding that the organisation was able to provide such services through the efforts of its dedicated pro bono lawyers.

She noted that the summit aimed to tackle the excessive use of pre-trial detention in Nigeria, which is regarded as one of the most persistent challenges in the criminal justice system.

According to her, across Nigeria, thousands of citizens remain in custodial centres awaiting trial, some for months, others for years, often for minor offences.

She said the organisation had taken bold, evidence-based steps through its Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project, Phase II, initiative to reverse the trend.

“We trained over 330 clinicians from 10 Law faculties, engaged over 200 pro-bono lawyers and 50 police duty solicitors to provide specialised legal representation for indigent Nigerians.

“The 50 young lawyers who serve as police duty solicitors across 50 police stations in five states have provided legal representation for 15,314 and secured bail for 8,552 arrested Nigerians. Each of these figures represents not just progress, but people’s lives saved, restored, families reunited, and faith in justice renewed,” Ms Abagi stated.

She further explained that PPDC was able to record this success through RPDN II, a cornerstone initiative funded and supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and implemented in collaboration with key justice stakeholders.

She then called for more collaboration among governments and the private sector to enhance access to justice in Nigeria.

“We must strengthen our advocacy for greater institutional support, sustainable funding, and deeper collaboration among the bar, the bench, development partners, and the private sector. The truth is that justice cannot thrive on goodwill alone. It requires commitment, structure, and resources.

“If we truly want to build a fair and inclusive justice system, then we must invest in those who give their time, their energy, and their expertise freely, in service to others. This summit is not just a reflection on what has been done, it is a call to what remains to be achieved,” Ms Abagi added.

The director-general of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, commended PPDC for the initiative, saying that the summit would enhance legal services and access to justice in Nigeria.

Mr Abubakar assured that the council will continue to cooperate to achieve legal service advancements in Nigeria.

(NAN)