The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has charged the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to ensure that poverty does not prevent citizens from obtaining justice.
Fagbemi gave the directive during the inauguration of the council’s new board in Abuja.
He said access to justice was essential to national security, public confidence and social stability, particularly in a country where many citizens could not afford legal representation.
The minister described the council as a critical part of the justice system and urged it to intensify visits to correctional centers, police cells and detention facilities as required by law.
He called for stronger use of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme and the Court Duty Solicitors Scheme to reduce congestion in detention facilities, clear court backlogs and protect fundamental rights at the earliest stages of the criminal justice process.
Fagbemi also urged the board to support reforms under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and contribute to legislative amendments that would keep Nigeria’s justice framework responsive to current realities.
He advised the council to explore partnerships with development organizations, strengthen pro bono collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association, adopt legal technology and improve cooperation with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and civil society.
Board Chairman and former Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Sulyman Kawu, said the council intended to extend legal aid services beyond its six zonal and 36 state offices.
He said the board would examine how services could reach all 774 local government areas, particularly rural communities where many indigent citizens faced legal proceedings without representation.
Kawu acknowledged funding constraints but said the board would seek partnerships with state governments, lawyers and other stakeholders to expand services and help decongest correctional centers.
