Muhammad Garba
Inadequate funding and low capacity have been described as major challenges hindering the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Jigawa and Nigeria.
The challenges were identified during a two-day roundtable meeting in Jigawa state by stakeholders.
In their resolution during the meeting which comprised representatives of the Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, Immigration, Judiciary, Nigerian Bar Association, Media, religious groups, traditional institutions, and civil society has promised to work to address the challenges.
The meeting was organized by the CLEEN Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation and was held in Dutse, Jigawa state capital.
The stakeholders then promised to advocate for adequate funding to ensure the provision of all required facilities, tools, and logistics, as well as the training and public enlightenment on the role everyone is expected to play for the effective implementation of the Act.
According to the meeting resolution, the groups described the effective implementation of ACJA as pivotal to promoting law and order, peace, and security in society.
Earlier, the acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, said the occasion was organized to brainstorm on the success, challenges, and the way forward in Jigawa and eight other focal project states.
“For us in CLEEN Foundation, we have confidence that the two days deliberations will come up with a resolution that will help improve the work and the advancement of the ACJA/L across the country and at the subnational levels,” he stated.
Mr Peter then commended the MacArthur Foundation for funding the project and urged all stakeholders to support the move to ensure justice in the administration of criminal law.
