The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) team yesterday, 9th October, 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN. The visit was to congratulate the newly elected officials of the Bar and to explore potential areas of collaborating with the NBA, particularly in advancing the justice system in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the team Lucy James Abagi, provided an overview of the organization’s work in the development space over the past two decades. She highlighted PPDC’s impact in various sectors, especially in governance and justice reform. Lukman Adekunle, another key member of the team, focused on the PPDC’s Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project. He explained that the initiative, initially piloted in three states, has now expanded to two additional states. This project is aimed at enhancing efficiency within the court system and improving access to justice. Lukman also discussed the Justice Sector Assessment, a critical study set to be validated in October, which is expected to influence policy-making in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Kenechukwu Agwu shifted the discussion to PPDC’s Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria project. He shared data on the number of pretrial detainees who are receiving pro bono legal representation as a result of this initiative. He emphasized that beyond offering legal representation, the project seeks to improve the technological capacity of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to better manage detainees and enhance transparency. This, he noted, is essential for addressing the long-standing issues of overcrowded custodial centres and excessive pretrial detention periods.
Munachi Okoro provided further insight into PPDC’s overall impact across various program areas. He highlighted successes in procurement governance, digital governance, and Homevida, demonstrating PPDC’s broad commitment to governance reforms. These achievements underscore PPDC’s role as a key player in promoting transparency and efficiency in both public and private sectors.
Lucy concluded the presentation by outlining potential areas for collaboration with the NBA. She highlighted the digitization of courts, which PPDC is already implementing in three states through the CACM project. Additionally, she proposed training programs for lawyers, prosecutors, and judicial workers, as well as collaborative partnerships with private sector stakeholders. Lucy also suggested that PPDC be given opportunities to share insights and experiences at NBA programs, further strengthening the bond between both organizations.
In response, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed the association’s keen interest in PPDC’s Access to Justice programs. He acknowledged the alignment between PPDC’s initiatives and the NBA’s own agenda, particularly in addressing the alarming number of detainees awaiting trial in Nigeria’s correctional centres—an issue he had touched on in his inaugural speech. The President reiterated the NBA’s concern over the inefficiencies within Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the association’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges.
Mazi Afam Osigwe emphasized that the NBA is committed to partnerships that serve the best interests of the general public. He expressed confidence that a partnership with PPDC would bring about significant improvements in Nigeria’s justice system, especially in areas such as pretrial detention, access to justice, and court administration.
Other national Officers present at the meeting are Bolatunmi Animashaun (2nd vice-president), Zainab Aminu (3rd vice-president), Bridget Edokwe (Publicity Secretary), Henry Barnabas (Secretary), Barbara Amosun (Chief of Staff), Precious Abi and Isaac Aduloju.
