Abuja: The Federal Government has unveiled initiatives aimed at overhauling the criminal justice system, reducing prison congestion, and promoting restorative justice over purely punitive measures. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, introduced the National Minimum Standards (2025), as well as the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual (2025).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister stated that the establishment of these minimum standards and manuals marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of criminal justice. Fagbemi emphasized that the initiatives will 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.
Fagbemi highlighted that Nigeria has undertaken several reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, fairness, and accountability of the criminal justice system. A key pillar of these reforms is the implementation 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 provide a unified framework and benchmark for justice sector institutions and stakeholders to ensure consistency, accountability, and improved performance across the country.
The minister explained that the new framework will guide the institutionalization of Restorative Justice programs in Nigeria by establishing clear procedures, safeguards, and operational guidelines to ensure consistency, professionalism, and respect for human rights. He expressed confidence that these documents will play a crucial role in strengthening the implementation of non-custodial measures and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Fagbemi encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share perspectives, and learn how best to adapt and apply restorative justice practices within their respective jurisdictions and institutions. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the effective and responsive administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, aiming to build a justice system that promotes accountability, protects the rights of victims, supports the rehabilitation of offenders, and contributes to safer and more peaceful communities.
In support of these efforts, the ministry of justice will soon convene a three-day intensive training program 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.
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, noted that the ACJAct, 2015 represents a landmark reform in Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System. He commended the development of the restorative justice training curriculum manual, which reflects a progressive shift towards a more humane and inclusive approach to justice delivery. Justice Tsoho highlighted that the curriculum gives attention to the compensation of victims, reconciliation, rehabilitation, and the active participation of victims, offenders, and communities, complementing conventional criminal justice mechanisms and fostering sustainable peace.
Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of Administration of Criminal Justice Reforms, emphasized that the standards establish operational benchmarks required to institutionalize restorative justice, ensuring its implementation aligns with global best practices while addressing local realities. She noted that the training curriculum and manual provide a comprehensive framework for training facilitators, promoting consistency and professionalism in the delivery of restorative justice processes across jurisdictions.
Ayoola-Daniels expressed gratitude for the strong leadership and support of the minister of justice and thanked development partners, 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 the process.