Abuja: The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called upon the Governing Board of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to enhance free legal representation and implement strategies to decrease the number of inmates awaiting trial. This appeal was made during the inauguration of the council’s governing board on Wednesday in Abuja, where Fagbemi emphasized the importance of access to justice as a national security concern rather than merely a social welfare initiative.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the board, chaired by retired Justice Sulyman Kawu, a distinguished Nigerian jurist and former Chief Judge of Kwara, is tasked with providing strategic policy leadership. Fagbemi highlighted the need for operational initiatives such as the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitors Scheme (CDSS) to ensure early legal representation for suspects.
Fagbemi expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the council via policy coordination and inter-agency advocacy to strengthen the justice system. He stressed that access to justice is essential for national security and socio-economic harmony. The composition of the board aims to reflect diverse stakeholder participation and inclusivity, ensuring it can guide the council effectively without interfering with daily administrative tasks.
The minister also reminded the board of its mandate under Section 19 of the council Act, which requires visits to correctional facilities and detention centers to monitor inmates awaiting trial. He urged the board to engage with ongoing reforms under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and contribute to legislative amendments to align with contemporary realities and global standards.
Fagbemi encouraged the board to explore partnerships with development partners, strengthen pro bono networks with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), leverage legal technology, and build inter-agency synergy with the judiciary and civil society. Justice Kawu, on behalf of the board, expressed their commitment to working diligently with judicial stakeholders to fulfill their mandate.