Stakeholders Advocate for Increased Funding, Better Coordination for ACJL Implementation

Stakeholders Advocate for Increased Funding and Better Coordination for ACJL Implementation

By Joy Richardson

Stakeholders have called for increased funding and improved monitoring to ensure the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL). This was the key takeaway from a two-day training held on 13th and 14th November 2024 in Benin City, focused on enhancing ACJL implementation.

The training, organized by the MacArthur Foundation in partnership with the Cleen Foundation, brought together representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Population Commission (NPC), civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media.

Mrs. Blessing Abiri, Head of Programs at the MacArthur Foundation, led a session reviewing a research study on compliance with the ACJL. She explained that the research aimed to improve the adherence of actors to the ACJL across different states.

One of the main issues highlighted during the training was the outdated system for collecting and preserving evidence, which remains a significant challenge. Stakeholders emphasized the need for substantial investment in modern tools and techniques to improve evidence-gathering and crime processing.

Mrs. Abiri also pointed out that the research uncovered several obstacles to the successful implementation of ACJL in various states. After thorough discussion, stakeholders agreed that addressing these challenges would require not only more funding but also better monitoring of how funds are allocated and used.

She stressed the importance of overhauling the current funding system, as inadequate resources were identified as a major barrier in many criminal justice sectors.

Additionally, Mrs. Abiri urged states to rethink the roles and responsibilities of actors within the system to reduce delays and improve case management tailored to each state’s needs.

Mrs. Blessing Eramon, Head of Programs for Edo State, also spoke at the workshop, emphasizing the importance of continuous training for key stakeholders to ensure the law is properly implemented. She encouraged actors to deepen their understanding of the ACJL to avoid misinterpretation and misconceptions.

Dr. Bright Oniovoukor, Chairman of the CSO Observatory Group on ACJL in Benin City, highlighted that, in addition to increased funding and monitoring, stronger collaboration between the police, correctional services, and the judiciary was essential for effective implementation. He noted that the lack of coordination between these actors had contributed to gaps in enforcement.

During the workshop, participants also brainstormed and identified key agencies involved in the budgeting process for the implementation of the ACJA/L. They emphasized the need for these agencies, such as government ministries, the judiciary, law enforcement bodies, and correctional services to work together to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated and properly utilized. Transparency and accountability in the disbursement process were highlighted as critical to preventing misuse and ensuring the funds reach the right sectors.

Critical messages were directed towards stakeholders, urging them to prioritize the criminal justice system’s needs in budgetary decisions.

Participants stressed the importance of modern infrastructure, continuous training for actors, and improved coordination between all agencies to close gaps and eliminate delays hindering the ACJL’s effectiveness.

Attendees at the event expressed appreciation for the organizers and called for ongoing training sessions to ensure the ACJL’s goals are fully realized. They emphasized the need for continuous engagement and follow-up workshops to maintain progress and ensure the full and successful implementation of the ACJL.