CLEEN Foundation has called on all relevant stakeholders to redouble their efforts to ensure full compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Acts, ACJA.

The Foundation also calls for the activation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, ACJC, so it can be funded across the states of the federation in Nigeria.

It says the ACJA represents a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to reform and modernise the criminal justice system, enacted 2015, with other states having a varying degrees of dates, the legislation is designed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and fairness of proceedings while also protecting the right of defendant and victims.

Its Director of Programs, Salaudeen Hashim, said this at a workshop organized by the Foundation in Lagos, themed; Policy Brief Presentation on Gender Accountability and Transparency in the Implementation of the ACJA 2015.

Hashim called for enhanced accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law to ensure a more effective and equitable criminal justice system across Nigeria.

He emphasised the growing dissatisfaction among citizens regarding the administration of justice, saying Citizens are increasingly resentful of enacted laws as their rights are consistently trampled upon.

Hashim acknowledged some progress made through monitoring programs initiated by CLEEN Foundation across eight states, admitting the results have been less than satisfactory, highlighting the need for further reforms.

According to him, the core issues affecting the administration of criminal justice stem from operational inefficiencies and public distrust. Data collected from eight states revealed significant gaps requiring urgent interventions.

In his words, these include limited citizen engagement and a lack of faith in the justice system’s effectiveness and fairness.

Hashim said the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 faces significant hurdles, particularly in fostering public confidence.

He said the challenges are compounded by systemic issues, including gender biases, inter-agency coordination problems, and inadequate training of personnel on the provisions of existing laws.

According to him, to address the challenges, CLEEN Foundation made several key recommendations which are strengthened Inter-Agency Collaboration, Elimination of gender bias gender as a sensitive approach is vital to ensure inclusivity and fairness in the application of justice and capacity building of personnel within the justice system.

He said they must be thoroughly trained and equipped with the necessary knowledge of criminal justice provisions and relevant laws.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, CLEEN Foundation Head of Lagos, Blessing Abiri said the workshop underscored the pressing need for deliberate reforms to restore public trust in the justice system.

Abiri stressed that respect for the rule of law and citizens’ rights must remain central to the administration of justice.

She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to driving reforms and fostering a justice system that works for all Nigerians.

Abiri advocated for a holistic approach that prioritises transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

According to her, the comprehensive analysis aimed to evaluate the extent to which various stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, legal practitioners and civil society organisations are adhering to the provisions of ACJA.