Stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) has called for more budgetary locations for effective implementation law in the country.
The call was made at the end of a two-day Advocacy Workshop for Increased Budgetary Allocation for Effective Oversight, Monitoring and Implementation of ACJL in Nigeria.
The Newsmen reports that the workshop was organized by a Non-Governmental Organisation, CLEEN Foundation Nigeria in Sokoto.
Participants led by Dr Auwal Musa, called for provision of adequate budgetary provisions for Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the implementation of ACJL and relevant policies in the state.
They expressed worry over inadequate collaboration and synergy among law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the administration of the criminal justice system in the state.
The group highlighted the importance of supporting the ACJL implementation monitoring committee in the state along with streamlining budgets and other activities.
They called for the development on implementation strategy of gender justice and responsive initiatives and ensure effective implementation of existing laws, policies and regulations.
Participants called for more efforts in addressing gender disparities in criminal justice system regarding workforce, health condition, career enhancement and promotions, speeding dispensation of justice through enhance logistics and other welfare.
They decried inadequate awareness on the ACJL provisions, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Laws, as well as inadequate training for law enforcement agents on the importance of inculcating gender lens in discharging their responsibilities.
Stakeholders also called for efforts to strengthen the existing systems for collecting, monitoring and reporting data related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
They further called for more engagement in advocacy to relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of gender equality initiatives.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, said the administration of criminal justice is a cornerstone of any society, providing the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholding of public trust.
Maduoma, represented by Mr Benard Ekobay, said the workshop was initiated to focused on the actors and government agencies saddled with the responsibilities of implementing the provisions of ACJL.
He underscored the importance of obtaining increased budgets, considering justice gabs with view to close them through capacity building and the critical role of strategic communication as a tool for policy change and formulation.
” The most interesting beauty part is that ACJL have been enacted as laws in 36 states of the federation with more avenue for advancements and successes, ” Maduoma said.
Newsmen reports that the workshop brought together relevant actors in the criminal justice value chain that comprised Judges, Prosecutors and officers from Nigerian Correctional Service.
Others were from the Ministry of Justice, FIDA, Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Others also included representatives of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ministry for Women and Children Affairs and Journalists.
About The Author
