BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The CLEEN Foundation, in partnership with MacArthur, has engaged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in enhancing the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Delta State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a three-day workshop in Asaba, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, emphasized the need for institutional strengthening and sustainable engagement in the ACJA and ACJL regimes.
The Executive Director who was represented by the Program Assistant, Mrs. Chinwendu Ezebuiro-Anozie, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to deepening justice sector reforms.
The workshop, themed “Institutional Strengthening for Civil Society Observatory towards Sustainable Advocacy & Monitoring Implementation of the ACJL Regime,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring the full implementation of ACJL in the state.
Maduoma highlighted the significant progress made in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system, noting that over the past two years, CLEEN Foundation, in collaboration with stakeholders across eight states, has actively promoted the effective implementation of the ACJL. These efforts have resulted in successes in advocacy, capacity building, policy reforms, and multi-stakeholder engagements.
However, he acknowledged the persisting challenges in the justice sector, including inconsistencies in application, inadequate training, and the need for sustainable monitoring mechanisms. He stressed the importance of deeper institutional strengthening, broader stakeholder collaboration, and a long-term commitment to sustaining the reforms.
“This engagement provides an opportunity to reflect on our journey, share experiences, and develop strategic pathways to consolidate progress and ensure a lasting impact,” he said. He further emphasized that the workshop agenda was carefully designed to equip CSOs, legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and other critical actors with the necessary tools, knowledge, and collaborative frameworks to drive continuous reform efforts in the criminal justice system
