Stakeholders in the Judiciary Sector, Security Sector, Women Groups, Civil Society Groups and the Media have been urged to work collaboratively in achieving the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.

The stakeholders were told that effective enforcement of the ACJA could strengthen democratic institutions, protect rights and build a safer nation.

They were asked to commit to the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and to drive the law’s objectives.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, called for the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA. 

Fagbemi spoke through Assistant Director, Department of Public Prosecution, Barrister David Kaswe, at the project launch on Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria led by Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo in Abuja.

According to the Minister of Justice, the ACJA holds the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions, empower citizens, and ensure a safer and more prosperous nation. 

Fagbemi said as they launch the project, let everyone reaffirm their resolve to ensure its objectives are achieved, for they hold the promise of strengthening democratic institutions, empowering the people, and building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

The Minister urged all relevant stakeholders to commit themselves to the successful execution of the project unveiled by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy. 

He expressed confidence that the initiative would create an inclusive justice system that promotes peace, protects rights, and enhances accessibility for all Nigerians.

Delivering a goodwill message, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Svein Baera, who spoke through Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Michelle Hovi, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster justice and inclusive governance. 

Hovi said Norway is proud to support initiatives that promote peace, justice, and inclusive societies, saying the work of CLEEN Foundation in advancing accountability, good governance, and community engagement aligns strongly with their shared values and commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.

Hovi highlighted that the project was not only a step towards strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Act but also a continuation of Norway’s collaboration with Nigerian civil society.

According to her, the launch marks not only the beginning of a project, but also a continuation of partnership with Nigerian civil society partnerships that are built on trust, shared responsibility, and the belief that sustainable change comes from the grassroots and within communities.

The Norwegian government emphasised that the thematic areas of this initiative, which include advancing the Women, Peace and Security, WPS, agenda, reflect its own priorities, saying Norway’s support seeks to foster long-term reforms that resonate across Nigeria’s justice and security frameworks.

In his remarks, Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma,  unveiled details of the project titled: “Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria.” 

Maduoma, explained that the project would build on CLEEN’s extensive  experience in security sector reform and gender-responsive interventions to advance justice reforms, gender governance, peace, and security in Nigeria.

He said the organisation was also confident that working with other strategic partners present in this hall, both at the national, sub-national and local levels, this intervention will consolidate previous efforts while strategically addressing critical gaps in the implementation of the ACJA/L in twelve states of Nigeria (Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ekiti, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom) and support the effective operationalisation of Women, Peace and Security in five states: Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa.

Maduoma, said the project would build on the organisation’s track record in security sector reform and gender-responsive programming.

He said the intervention will consolidate previous efforts while addressing critical gaps in the implementation of the ACJA.

Maduoma expressed appreciation to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for being the founder of the initiative through the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

The initiative, launched by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, seeks to close implementation gaps in 12 states while advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in five.

Dignitaries at the Abuja launch included judicial administrators, women’s affairs representatives, legal practitioners, law enforcement and civil society leaders underscoring broad-based support for what many see as a pivotal step in strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.