The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies has canvassed full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs) to reduce the burden of awaiting trials, and decongest the nation’s correctional centres.

It also appealed to heads of agencies to collectively advocate and actively monitor implementation of the ACJLs in alignment with the National Minimum Standards, saying the country urgently needs a stronger, more coordinated, and responsive criminal justice system.

President of the centre, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), appealed during a one-day workshop on effective implementation of ACJA/ACJLs in Bauchi on Tuesday.

Represented by Sharon Jibaniya, the president said the National Minimum Standards (NMS) document represents a unified framework that sets the benchmark for quality, accountability, and effectiveness in our national systems – be it in justice delivery, service provision, governance, education, or any sector of concern.

The workshop was attended by the Comptroller, Correctional Service, Commissioner of Police of Bauchi State, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Bauchi State, Director of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Chairman of NBA, FIDA chair, Bauchi branch, State Coordinator of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Bauchi State.

In his remarks, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bauchi State Command, Assistant Superintendent Ahmed Tata, said 600 out of 900 inmates in the state’s correctional centres are currently awaiting trial for various offences.

He expressed concern over the persistent overcrowding in correctional centres across the state, attributing the situation to the slow pace of the justice system.

Tata emphasised the need for effective implementation of the ACJLs to address the problem.

He said: “The document has been in existence, but whenever there’s a case, those without judgments are simply remanded. If properly implemented, this law will help reduce congestion in our centres. Currently, out of over 900 inmates, almost 600 are awaiting trial. A speedy justice system will significantly decongest our facilities.”

Also speaking, Chief Magistrate Sefiya Musa described the training as timely, lamenting that Bauchi ranks 28th nationwide in terms of justice administration, while Nasarawa is rated third.

“We used to think we were doing well in implementing laws, but hearing the facts today is a wake-up call,” she said, adding: “The MacArthur Foundation has supported implementation efforts, but we must do more by encouraging one another, and addressing existing gaps.”