The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, has said Nigeria’s justice sector reforms will depend largely on a new generation of innovative, well-trained and forward-looking lawyers.
Represented at the grand finale of the Juritrust Centre for the Administration of Criminal Justice Academy Award Competition in Abuja, the Minister stressed that strengthening legal education and practical skills remains central to improving justice delivery in the country.
He described the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as a landmark reform designed to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability, noting that its effective implementation requires lawyers who are both technically sound and adaptable to modern realities.
According to him, initiatives like the Juritrust competition are critical for bridging the gap between classroom learning and courtroom practice and for preparing young lawyers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving legal system.
Reinforcing the Minister’s position, Prof. Adedeji Adekunle, SAN, Lead Researcher, Juritrust Centre for Socio-Legal and Documentation, said the future of Nigeria’s justice system rests on lawyers who can combine legal knowledge with innovation and critical thinking.
Prof. Adekunle noted that the legal profession is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technology and globalisation, urging young practitioners to embrace new tools and approaches to remain relevant.
He emphasised that, beyond academic excellence, practical exposure and the ability to respond to real-life legal challenges are essential for sustaining ongoing reforms in the justice sector.
The professor also highlighted mentorship as a key pillar of professional growth, stressing that guidance from experienced practitioners must be complemented by originality and forward-thinking among young lawyers.
Other stakeholders, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Avocats Sans Frontières, echoed the call for stronger capacity-building, innovation, and global exposure for emerging legal professionals.
The competition, which attracted participants from universities across Nigeria and beyond, was described by organisers as a platform for grooming reform-minded lawyers capable of advancing the rule of law and strengthening the country’s justice system.
