The Federal Government Executive Council has approved a justice sector policy for the country aimed at reforming the system by making access to justice easier.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, explained that the policy would ensure “speedy determination of justice” and fairness to all Nigerians.
Mr. Malami spoke further, “The purpose is to have speedy administration of justice, quality administration of justice and access to justice for all.
“That is, in a nutshell, the justice sector policy that was approved by the council.”
The FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, also approved a memo seeking to amend the Geneva Convention Act 2004 to “accord greater access to justice by prisoners of war.”
The Geneva Convention is domesticated in Nigeria as the Geneva Convention Act Cap G3, of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Malami said Nigeria was behind the rest of the world in terms of according prisoners of war certain rights and privileges.
The minister explained the purpose of the Geneva Convention, saying, “It is a convention that was designed to provide protection to prisoners of war; to people involved in armed conflicts and associated infractions.
“For example, there has been in existence a policy that accords protection to prisoners of war; what you can do to them; the level which you can approach them; the type of protection you can afford to civilians during times of war and conflicts.”
On why the amendment became necessary, Malami added, “With emerging trends, particularly as they relate to best practices, the need arises for us to amend our laws to be at par with international best practices.
“To this effect, the amendment, among other things is to accord greater access to justice by prisoners of war in cases of breach.”
