AUGUST NEWSLETTER
Beatrice E. Jedy-Agba (Mrs) OON, mni
Chairman (FJSRCC)
Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary
Felicitations from the Chairman and Secretariat of the FJSRCC
It is with pleasure that we present the inaugural edition of the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) Monthly Newsletter for effective communication in the Justice Sector.
This platform is designed for the effective transmission of Justice Sector Information to all active members of the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordination Committee (FJSRCC), Justice Reform Teams (JRTs), and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees (ACJMC). It will provide you with concise highlights, key resolutions, and reform updates from across the Justice Sector.
Our goal is not only to inform and connect but also to inspire stronger collaboration and synergy as we work together to advance citizen-centered Justice Reforms and uphold the mandate of the Justice Sector as a whole.
Esteemed Members of the FJSRCC and JRTs/ACJMC,
The FJSRCC and its Partners have taken bold steps in advancing Justice Sector Reforms, from leadership transitions to the establishment of Sub-Committees to critical deliberations at the FJSRCC Statutory General Meetings held in April and June 2025. The resolutions of the meeting of the Body of Attorneys-General(BOAG) and deliberations at the General Council of the Bar, together, have produced significant resolutions that will shape our collective work.
The Federal Ministry of Justice, through the FJSRCC, launched the 2024 National Policy on Justice (NPJ) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), as well as participated in a Workshop convened by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for Attorneys-General, underscoring the importance of synergy between the Justice Sector and other sectors of the Nigerian Economy.
The following sections highlight these developments in greater detail, capturing the progress made and commitments that will guide our next steps.
Leadership Transition within the FJSRCC Secretariat
February 2025 marked a new chapter for the FJSRCC Secretariat. The former Secretary, Mr. Felix Ota-Okojie, gracefully handed over the role to Osasogie Uwaifo, ushering in a new chapter and perspective for the Secretariat of the FJSRCC.
The new Secretary aims to build on past successes in the Justice Sector through the FJSRCC and drive for stronger collaboration with Justice Reform Teams (JRTs) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committees, amongst others, in advancing a true citizen-focused Reform Agenda.
April 2025 FJSRCC Statutory General Meeting
The April Statutory General Meeting of the FJSRCC was a defining moment. The Meeting also marked the formal introduction of the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Policy on Justice (NPJ), which provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening coordination, accountability, and Access to Justice across the Justice Sector. The FJSRCC also embraced the National Policy on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), designed to promote faster, cost-effective, and citizen-centered mechanisms for resolving disputes outside the traditional courtroom system. These instruments were acknowledged as vital Policy tools to guide ongoing and future Reforms under the FJSRCC’s mandate.
The Meeting highlighted the pillars of a reformed Justice Sector and urged Members of the FJSRCC to take cognisance of the following:
i. Strengthen coordination structures;
ii. Implement integrated National Policies, Legislation and Programmes for effective justice delivery;
iii. Capacity Building in the Justice Sector;
iv. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Public Engagement; and
v. Speedy and Fair Dispensation of Justice
April 2025 FJSRCC Workplan Validation Workshop
At the Workplan Validation Workshop held in April 2025 to strengthen focus and coordination within the Justice sector, the FJSRCC inaugurated four thematic Sub-Committees:
- Law and Policy Subcommittee
- Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Digital Justice and Innovation Subcommittee
- Advocacy and Awareness Subcommittee
Since the establishment of these Sub-Committees, they have remained active, convening monthly through both virtual and physical meetings to pursue their mandates and generate practical resolutions that contribute to the Committee’s overall Reform Agenda.
June 2025 FJSRCC Statutory General Meeting
The FJSRCC held its Statutory General Meeting on 27th June, 2025 at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, chaired by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice.
During the meeting, the Chair emphasized the Need for Synergy among Justice Sector Institutions, highlighting that meaningful reforms depend on collaboration, coordination, and shared responsibility. She also urged members to adopt citizen-centered approaches, ensuring that reforms translate into digitised practical improvements/solutions in the dispensation of Access to Justice and Service Delivery for Nigerians.
The session reinforced the collective resolve of members to align their efforts under the FJSRCC framework in pursuit of a stronger, more inclusive Justice Sector. Find attached the paper on Advancing Synergy in the Justice Sector.
July 2025: Annual Attorneys-General Workshop by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
The Annual Attorneys-General Workshop convened by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was held in July 2025 in Lagos. The Workshop called for collaboration between the Justice Sector and the Communications Sector. The Workshop explored pathways for aligning State and Federal Reforms in harmonising innovations and transformations within both the Justice Sector and Communications Sector. The communique from the workshop reflected shared priorities for improving Justice Sector responsiveness to the Communications Sector nationwide.
Key takeaways from the NCC Workshop
a. The Workshop stated the need for Attorneys-General to support tax harmonization and reforms at the States level through the development and issuance of effective legal frameworks and guidance to State Tax Authorities.
b. The Workshop advocates for reforms to enhance coordination and legal clarity across agencies, especially at the sub-national level, as well as building synergy and collaboration between Federal and State authorities to address statutory and regulatory challenges in the Nigerian Communications Sector.
c. The Workshop acknowledged the unique role of State Attorneys General in harmonizing legislations and regulations on certain aspects of infrastructure deployment in the Nigerian Communications Sector and advocated for measures to avoid conflicts with Federal Laws. The Workshop recommended collaboration and coordination to avoid multiple and overlapping legislations.
d. The Workshop calls for continued engagement and collaboration by the different tiers and arms of government to ensure successful implementation of the tax reforms, by developing detailed guidelines for implementing the harmonization of taxes and fees, particularly in the Nigerian Communications Sector.
e. The Workshop recommended more synergy amongst Law Enforcement Agencies in ensuring the protection of critical National Communications Infrastructure across all the States.
f. The Workshop recommended dialogue and collaborative engagements at the State level to resolve possible disputes between operators within the Communications Sector and State Authorities.
August 2025: FJSRCC at the Body of Attorneys-General (BOAG) and General Council of the Bar
The Chairman and the Secretariat of the FJSRCC participated actively in the meeting of the Body of Attorneys-General (BOAG) and the General Council of the Bar (GCB), held in Kaduna from 6th – 7th August 2025. Deliberations focused on strengthening synergy across the Justice Sector and aligning policy directions and improving implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Act, 2019.
Key resolutions adopted at the GCB Conference:
- A vote of confidence was passed on the progressive leadership of the current NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, with encouragement to continue advancing policies that improve the Legal Profession in Nigeria.
- The Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme currently being enforced by the NBA was affirmed as consistent with the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Approval was given for the establishment of a Committee to review the Rules of Professional Conduct, with a mandate to identify gaps and recommend improvements to strengthen ethical and professional standards.
Closing Remark
As we wrap up this first edition of the FJSRCC Monthly Newsletter, we reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing Justice Sector Reform through synergy, digital innovations, and citizen-centered solutions.
The Secretariat urges all Justice Reform Teams (JRTs) to actively communicate their needs, challenges, and areas where support is required, especially in respect of cascading replication and implementation of key issues highlighted herein. Your feedback is essential to ensure that Justice Sector initiatives are not only well-coordinated but also impactful.
Together, we can continue to strengthen Nigeria’s justice sector and deliver meaningful reforms.
Secretariat, Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC)
fjsrccdesk@justice.gov.ng
