Afam Osigwe has called on legal practitioners and justice sector stakeholders to ensure that ongoing reforms translate into tangible improvements in the administration of justice, stressing that the success of any legal reform is measured by its implementation and impact on society. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association Gombe Branch Law Week, themed “Strengthening Justice Through Reforms: Lawyers as Agents of Change.”
Addressing participants, the NBA President noted that despite the significant reforms introduced by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, many of the challenges confronting Nigeria’s justice system persist, including prison congestion, stringent bail conditions, and the underutilization of key provisions designed to enhance access to justice.
He urged lawyers to embrace their role as agents of change by promoting professionalism, integrity, and accountability while working collectively to restore public confidence in legal institutions. Osigwe commended the branch for creating a platform to examine critical issues affecting the justice sector and emphasized the need for sustained efforts to strengthen the rule of law and improve justice delivery across the country.
Read full statement below;
STRENGTHENING JUSTICE THROUGH REFORMS: LAWYERS AS AGENTS OF CHANGE
The strength of any justice system is measured not merely by the laws it enacts, but by the confidence citizens have in its ability to deliver justice fairly, efficiently, and without prejudice. This was the central message I shared today at the opening ceremony of the NBA Gombe Branch Law Week, themed “Strengthening Justice Through Reforms: Lawyers as Agents of Change.”
I commend the Chairman, Executive Committee, and members of the NBA Gombe Branch for convening this important conversation at a time when the legal profession and the justice sector must reflect deeply on their responsibilities to society and the urgent need to strengthen public trust in our institutions.
While the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 marked a significant milestone in the reform of our criminal justice system, many of the challenges it sought to address remain. Our correctional centres continue to be overcrowded, bail conditions are often excessively stringent, and critical provisions of the law, including those relating to bondsmen, are not being fully utilized to promote access to justice and reduce impunity.
As lawyers and stakeholders in the justice system, we must move beyond merely acknowledging these challenges and commit ourselves to ensuring that the reforms embodied in our laws translate into meaningful outcomes for the people we serve. The effectiveness of any reform lies not in its enactment, but in its implementation.
I emphasized the need for us to rebuild public confidence in our institutions by upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability while embracing our role as genuine agents of change. The credibility of the justice system depends, in no small measure, on the commitment of those entrusted with its administration.
The reality is that much work remains to be done. However, through collective action, courage, and a renewed dedication to justice, we can strengthen our institutions, improve the administration of justice, and restore public trust in the legal profession.
I thank the NBA Gombe Branch for the warm reception and the opportunity to share my thoughts on this critical subject.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association