In a bid to strengthen the justice sector, the Federal Government, on Monday, said it would establish a centralized criminal registry.

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The Solicitor-General of the Federation, SGF, and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, made the disclosure at the opening session of a two-day strategic meeting on the establishment of a National Database.

Describing the current state of the nation’s justice system as unsustainable, the SGF maintained that ineffective case management systems have contributed to persistent inefficiencies that hinder Nigeria’s ability to adopt evidence-based strategies that could significantly enhance the administration of justice.

According to her: “At present, Nigeria lacks a centralized criminal registry. While the Nigeria Police Force is one of the few agencies with a database, its limited accessibility to key stakeholders, such as prosecutors and judges—has created significant barriers to effective justice delivery, particularly during sentencing.

“The absence of a comprehensive, accessible National Criminal Registry has resulted in unreliable statistical analyses, with many criminal convictions going unrecorded. This, in turn, impedes efforts to track serious crimes and maintain accurate crime data.

“While certain law enforcement agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Correctional Service, have made strides in digitizing their operations, these initiatives remain isolated, with no unified platform to coordinate national data management.

“The task before us is to develop a cohesive strategy to facilitate the collection, storage, sharing, and management of data across law enforcement, regulatory, and security agencies.

 “A centralized National Database will serve as a critical tool to enhance coordination among justice sector institutions, streamline processes, and ultimately expedite the dispensation of justice.

“In line with Sections 16, 17, and 29 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ) has taken steps to integrate information technology across the justice sector.

“Initiatives to link custodial centers, police stations, courts, and other law enforcement bodies have been undertaken to monitor investigations and prosecutions.

 “In 2019, an attempt was made to establish an automated case management system, including biometric data integration for inmates, to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities. 

Unfortunately, this project was not successfully completed, primarily due to capacity challenges with the contractor.”

She said the establishment of the National Database through the Justice Information Management System (JIMS) would mark a transformative shift in the nation’s approach to justice administration.

“By creating an integrated platform that connects various justice sector agencies, we can promote efficient information sharing, streamline workflows, and facilitate collaboration among all stakeholders.

“This, in turn, will lead to improved case management, reduced delays, and more effective justice delivery across the system.

“We are gathered here today because we recognize that the current state of our justice sector is no longer sustainable.

“The complexities of modern society demand a justice system that is responsive, agile, and equipped to meet contemporary challenges,” the SGF added, even as she thanked the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, INL, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, for supporting the initiative.

In her welcome remarks, the Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola- Daniels, maintained that the establishment of a centralized platform for information sharing, case management and collaboration, would improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

“With a phased implementation approach and the necessary investment in hardware, software and training, Nigeria can establish a system that supports effective  and efficient justice delivery which  promotes the rule of law and confidence in the criminal justice process.

“As the Attorney-General of the Federation rightly noted during the 2nd Regional Conference on the Administration of Criminal Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice is currently working on the development and deployment of an arrest database as part of the Justice Sector Information Management System.

“This effort is aimed at centralizing data from key justice sector institutions, such as the Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, Judiciary, and others, in alignment with Section 29 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

“This database will ensure real-time tracking of cases and reduce unlawful detentions to the barest minimum, thus facilitating compliance with Section 34 of the ACJA,” she added.

Yuletide: FG approves free train service nationwide

The Federal Government has approved free train service nationwide starting from December 20, 2024 to January 6, 2025 to help caution high transportation fare during the Christmas season.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Information Minister said cabinet members will embark on recess from 18th December and resume on January 6, 2025.