By Salaudeen Hashim, Ph.D., Program Director, CLEEN Foundation Abuja
In Nigeria, the financing of the administration of criminal justice law (ACJL) remains a pressing concern that is lol predominantly government-driven, with federal and state budgets serving as the primary source of funding. Despite various provisions outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and its state counterparts, translating these statutes into practical and adequate funding for courts and various criminal justice institutions continues to pose significant challenges.
This backdrop is critical as Nigeria approaches the budgetary discussions for 2025, a period that provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders, especially in the media, to spotlight the urgent need for increased funding for the implementation of the ACJL. Adequate funding is not just a financial issue but a keystone for accelerating judicial processes, reducing backlogs, and ensuring that litigations do not languish due to prolonged intermediate appeals.
Pressing Issues in the Criminal Justice System
The current landscape of justice in Nigeria reveals alarming deficiencies. The Ministry of Justice’s inadequate response to ACJL funding needs has led to a crisis where justice appears to be available only to those who can afford to pay for it. Additionally, the absence or inactivity of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) exacerbates the situation. Observations indicate that plea bargaining is increasingly misused, and corruption is endemic across the sector, with prioritization of budgetary allocations skewed towards personal gain rather than justice delivery.
Moreover, infrastructural deficits plague custodial centers, which have become crime scenes in themselves, further compounding the challenges faced by law enforcement. The lack of forensic experts and laboratories severely hampers effective investigations and prosecutions. Moreover, the mental health of justice actors is often overlooked, leading to a workforce that is ill-equipped to handle the demands of their profession.
Institutional Challenges
Inadequate political will to reform the criminal justice system is also cited. The legislative houses have failed to provide necessary appropriations and oversight. Additionally, the executive branch’s manipulation of judicial welfare for political leverage has raised concerns about the autonomy of local government authorities and the responsibilities of judicial councils in addressing these setbacks.
The Role of Media and Civil Society Organizations
The media and civil society organizations (CSOs) are positioned uniquely to advocate for change. Consistent media engagement can foster greater awareness of the systemic issues plaguing the ACJL implementation. Investigative journalism is crucial in holding the government accountable, particularly concerning budget releases and the prioritization of projects that often sideline justice delivery.
The media must also focus on highlighting successful practices in states such as Delta, tracking human impacts and articulating incidents of negligence. This role extends to promoting transparency and accountability in governance and elevating voices advocating for equitable justice, free from political interference.
Conclusion
The narrative surrounding Nigeria’s criminal justice system is intertwined with immediate and far-reaching implications for the populace. As we approach the 2025 budget discussions, it is imperative that journalists prioritize in-depth reporting and analysis of the ACJL. Their work must center on the voices of the people, emphasizing issues that affect them, and ensuring that the struggles within the justice system are accurately represented and addressed.
By fostering collaboration with civil society and ethical engagement with relevant stakeholders, the media can become a powerful ally in advocating for increased budgetary allocations that will ultimately lead to a more just and equitable society in Nigeria. The call for adequate funding of the ACJL is not just a budgetary measure; it is a fundamental step toward reforming a system that serves justice and upholds the rule of law for all citizens.
