The Chief Executive Officer of the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Ms. Lucy Abagi, has urged for a collective, multi-sectoral approach to enhance Nigeria’s justice, security, and governance systems as a foundation for sustainable national development.
Abagi made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2025 Access to Justice Parley, themed “Justice, Security and Governance: A United Agenda for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gathering brought together judges, legal practitioners, security personnel, diplomats, development partners, civil society groups, pro-bono networks, law clinic coordinators, media professionals, and academics.
In her opening remarks, Abagi explained that the forum was designed to turn shared ideas into actionable reforms.
She recalled that the maiden edition of the parley, held in 2023, marked a turning point by uniting key players in the justice system to identify challenges and initiate reforms such as the Court Administration and Case Management Project and the Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project.
“These initiatives stemmed from the conviction that justice must be delivered efficiently, transparently, and without delay,” she said.
According to her, the momentum carried through 2024 as stakeholders deepened collaboration, expanded access to legal aid, and promoted confidence in justice institutions.
Abagi emphasized that reforming the justice system demands persistence, courage, and cooperation across government, civil society, and the private sector.
She stated that the 2025 theme underscores the need for synergy between justice, governance, and security institutions, adding that sustainable development is impossible without equity and rule of law.
“We cannot meaningfully discuss peace and security without addressing injustice, exclusion, and institutional weaknesses,” she noted.
Abagi described justice, security, and governance as interconnected pillars essential to national stability, public trust, and economic prosperity.
She stressed that ensuring justice is a shared duty of all citizens and institutions — not just courts or lawyers — and highlighted priority issues such as enhancing court efficiency, promoting digital innovation, reducing pre-trial detention, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening cooperation between justice and security agencies.
“These are not mere discussions; they are urgent calls to action,” she added.
The PPDC CEO called for greater adoption of digital tools, data-driven policymaking, and technology-enabled reforms to modernize the justice and security sectors.
She reaffirmed PPDC’s commitment to supporting reform through evidence-based advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, adding that “justice must remain the cornerstone of Nigeria’s progress.”
Abagi also commended the judiciary, Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and international partners for their support.
“As we move forward, let us transform dialogue into action and action into measurable impact. Justice is not just an institution — it is the heartbeat of our nation’s progress,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chibuzo Ekwekwuo, Chairman of PPDC’s Board of Trustees, encouraged justice-sector stakeholders to focus on practical solutions that improve efficiency and access rather than dwelling on systemic weaknesses.
He noted that sustainable reforms would only emerge from active participation and internal problem-solving within the justice system.
Ekwekwuo further urged judges, prosecutors, and legal administrators to work closely with PPDC’s technology team in developing innovative tools to address real operational needs.
He emphasized that accountability, collaboration, and measurable outcomes remain key to sustaining reforms.
“We must continuously assess our achievements and identify remaining gaps — because if progress cannot be measured, it cannot be achieved,” he said.