Justice reforms, human rights protection top discussions at NBA Law Week

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Friday emphasized the urgent need for justice system reforms to strengthen the justice sector in the country.

The Chairman of NBA, Bwari Branch (Cradle Bar), Paul Babatunde Daudu, while emphasizing the urgent need for justice system reforms, said, “In a country where justice often seems elusive and inequality persists, it is incumbent upon us, as guardians of the law, to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.”

According to him, the theme of the law week “Strengthening the Foundation of Justice” resonates deeply with the core values of the legal profession and foundational principles of the legal system.

He noted that there is indeed the perception by ordinary citizens that what presently operates in Nigeria is the ‘Administration of Law’ and not the ‘administration of justice’. The former is a system riddled with hybrid technicalities, legal jargon, cumbersome adjudicatory procedure, and rhetoric.

According to him, as a branch, they have recognized several significant challenges currently facing the administration of justice in Nigeria, including prolonged pre-trial detention, delayed trials, lack of access to legal representation, poor case management, and in some instances, conflicting and perverse judgments from superior courts of record.

He added that unethical practices by some legal practitioners and law enforcement agents further complicate the situation.

He therefore revealed that throughout the upcoming week, they will engage in meaningful dialogue, explore pressing legal issues, and champion initiatives that promote fairness, equality, and the protection of human rights.