Sola POPOOLA
CLEEN Foundation, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice, has facilitated the development of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Implementation Action Plan, marking a major step toward deepening justice reform and promoting human rights compliance in the state.
The Action Plan, developed through a consultative process involving key criminal justice institutions, civil society, and the media, provides a strategic roadmap for effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the ACJL in Ekiti State. It outlines clear priorities for strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing capacity among justice sector actors, improving data management, and increasing public awareness of citizens’ rights under the law.
In his remarks during the validation session, the Honourable Chief Judge of Ekiti State reaffirmed the commitment of the Judiciary to ensuring the effective implementation of the ACJL and announced plans to inaugurate the State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in line with the provisions of the law. The Committee will serve as the central mechanism for coordination, oversight, and reporting on compliance with the ACJL, ensuring accountability and continuous reform within the justice system.
In furtherance of this commitment, the meeting also witnessed the inauguration of the ACJL Working Group, a multi-stakeholder body composed of representatives from the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Correctional Service, Police, Legal Aid Council, FIDA, NBA, and civil society. The Working Group will spearhead the implementation of the Action Plan and coordinate state-wide interventions to promote justice delivery and adherence to due process.
Speaking at the event, Salaudeen Hashim, Director of Programmes at the CLEEN Foundation, commended the leadership of the Ekiti State Judiciary for its proactive role and political will in driving the ACJL process.
He reiterated CLEEN Foundation’s commitment to supporting state-level reforms that enhance human rights protection and strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The Foundation further called on all stakeholders, including the media and civil society, to sustain advocacy for the institutionalization of the ACJMC and ensure that the gains of the ACJL are fully realized in Ekiti State.
Ekiti State Action Plan on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL)
(2025–2027)
The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Ekiti State represents a transformative framework designed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and human rights compliance of the criminal justice system.
Despite its progressive provisions, implementation has faced challenges including inadequate funding, weak logistics, weak inter-agency coordination, poor awareness, and limited institutional capacity.
This State Action Plan (SAP) provides a strategic roadmap for coordinated implementation of the ACJL among justice sector institutions in Ekiti State. It reflects the shared commitments of the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, FIDA, NBA, Legal Aid Council, and other stakeholders, supported by CLEEN Foundation and the Norwegian Embassy.
Vision: A just, efficient, and human rights–compliant criminal justice system in Ekiti State.
Goal: To strengthen the implementation of the ACJL through enhanced institutional coordination, accountability, and adherence to due process.
Strategic Objectives: Enhance coordination among justice sector actors to ensure consistent application of the ACJL.
Improve access to justice for defendants, victims, and vulnerable groups.
Strengthen institutional capacity for ACJL implementation through regular training and monitoring.
Promote non-custodial measures and alternatives to imprisonment. Ensure transparency, documentation, and public awareness on ACJL processes and rights protection.