Abuja: Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor, the Country Representative of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HIIL), has revealed that land disputes and domestic violence are at the forefront of legal issues in Nigeria, as per the 2025 Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) report.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nwafor presented the report in Abuja, highlighting that the study was conducted over three years, tracking the same group of Nigerians to understand their evolving justice experiences. The report found that land disputes and domestic violence were the most frequently reported issues, reflecting a broader justice gap affecting millions in the country.
Land disputes accounted for 24% of all unresolved, long-lasting cases by the final year of the study. These issues were often not resolved through formal mechanisms, as many people opted for direct negotiation or community leaders due to the high cost and complexity of formal justice processes.
Domestic violence was reported by 30% of respondents, encompassing physical violence, emotional abuse, economic deprivation, and sexual violence. The impact on survivors was profound, leading to stress-related illnesses, financial loss, and harm to family relationships. Although some reported fair outcomes, many others lost hope or trust in the justice system.
The study also highlighted broader justice trends, noting that unresolved issues with neighbors and family members often resurfaced. Long-lasting legal problems disproportionately affected urban poor communities, frequently linked to land, domestic violence, or debt.
Despite these challenges, the report showed that people continued to seek resolution through negotiation, family members, or local leaders. While the formal justice system is generally viewed positively, it is often seen as more suited for lawyers than ordinary citizens, with trust in police lower compared to religious leaders or community authorities.
Nwafor emphasized that improving access to justice and reducing inequality in Nigeria depends on understanding people’s experiences. The JNS 2025 report offers detailed, nationwide data collected over three years, recommending continued data collection, prioritization of affordable and accessible services, and support for informal and community-based resolution mechanisms.
The report underscores the growing justice gap in Nigeria but suggests that it can be closed with the right tools and political will. It serves as a vital resource for policymakers and justice providers aiming to improve access to justice.
Bengt van Loosdrecht, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, emphasized that justice should be accessible to everyone. Meanwhile, Mr. Sunny Daniel, a journalist and member of the governing council of the National Human Rights Commission, urged stakeholders to take action based on the report’s findings.