Firm charges government to invest in the judiciary

The Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) has called on the government at all level to invest more in the judiciary as a crucial third arm of government as to strengthen the rule of law, governance and democratic process.

PWAN made the charge in its recommendations while presenting its “Findings of Case Monitoring in Lagos State.”

PWAN is a non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing citizens’ participation and improving security governance in Nigeria and West Africa broadly.

In his presentation, the programme officer, Mr. Obinna Franklin Nnachi said Lagos is the foremost state on judicial reforms in the country, which makes every other states in the country look up to it for improvement.

He stressed the need for government to provide equipment such as electronic recorders for effective discharge of duties by Judges and Magistrates.

“The Lagos State government should particularly increase its investments in the Magistrates Courts by providing relevant equipment,” he said.

The group findings revealed lack of access by persons with disabilities to Magistrate courts in particular need to be addressed and therefore recommended amongst others that Lagos State government or Judiciary should make it judicial system more inclusive by providing ramps for access into the court premises and additional legal aid to enhance access to justice. 

PWAN therefore recommended that the Commissioner of Police and Heads of Criminal Justice agencies in Lagos should expedite efforts in providing electronic recorders and other requisite devices, adding that other stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are always willing to partner with them.