By Abbas Bamalli
An NGO, CLEAN foundation, under the MacArthur project, has organised a two-day workshop for Civil Society Observatories (CSOs), on the implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event in Katsina on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mr Peter Maduama, sam id the aim was to strengthen the CSOs mechanisms.
Maduama said that the workshop was also aimed at enhancing sustainable advocacy and effective monitoring of the ACJL in Nigeria.
He, therefore, emphasised on the importance of sustainability in the justice system.
He said that the workshop has the theme “Institutional Strengthening for CSO towards Sustainable Advocacy and Monitoring Implementation of the ACJL Regime in Nigeria.”
Maduama said that the training brought together legal practitioners, CSOs, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice sector to deliberate on strategies for ensuring effective implementation of the ACJL across the country.
He noted that fairness, transparency, and rehabilitation must be at the core of all efforts to reform criminal justice processes in Nigeria.
“In an era where the boundaries of justice are constantly evolving, sustainability serves as a compass, guiding us towards a future where fairness and transparency are fundamental pillars.
“Your dedication to this cause speaks volumes about your commitment to upholding a just society,” he said.
Maduama added that the workshop focused on addressing key challenges hindering the full implementation of the ACJL, such as resource constraints, resistance to change, and lack of public awareness.
He urged the participants to devise strategies to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training translated into tangible improvements within courtrooms, correctional facilities, and law enforcement agencies.
“The ACJL, which seeks to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s criminal justice system, has faced implementation hurdles despite its potential to enhance fair trials, decongest prisons, and promote a more humane justice process,” he said.
The executive director called for sustained advocacy and practical measures to ensure that the gains recorded in criminal justice reform remained impactful across various institutions in Nigeria.
NAN
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