Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has stated that ongoing judicial reforms are designed to align with the 1999 Constitution by ensuring justice remains accessible to impoverished Nigerians. These changes aim to foster a legal system defined by transparency, efficiency, and a focus on public needs.
Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria’s Governing Board, led by Justice Sulyman Durosinlohun Kawu, the Minister emphasized the necessity of these reforms. He urged the new board to implement strategies that alleviate overcrowding in detention centers, expedite court cases, and protect human rights during initial legal encounters.
Fagbemi highlighted that the Legal Aid Council acts as a moral guide for the justice system, preventing poverty from becoming an obstacle to legal representation. He encouraged the board to utilize the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme and Court Duty Solicitors Scheme to improve operational outcomes. Furthermore, he suggested that the board move beyond reliance on traditional government budgets by forming partnerships with private sectors, leveraging technology, and collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association to expand pro bono services.
The Minister clarified that the board is responsible for strategic oversight and policy guidance rather than daily operational management. He expressed full confidence in the leadership of Justice Kawu to uphold these principles while ensuring the Council fulfills its statutory duties to support vulnerable citizens.
