The Federal Government yesterday unveiled an initiative to reform the criminal justice system, reduce prison congestion, and promote restorative justice over strictly punitive measures.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) unveiled the National Minimum Standards (2025) and the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual (2025).

He said the minimum standard and manual were a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of criminal justice.

Fagbemi noted that it will also promote a justice system that is not only effective but also humane, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of victims, offenders, and the wider community. He said Nigeria has undertaken several reforms to improve the efficiency, fairness, and accountability of our criminal justice system.

The minister said: “One of the key pillars of these reforms has been the implementation of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which introduced innovative mechanisms to ensure speedy justice delivery and the decongestion of correctional centres.”