FG to Establish Centralised National Database to Improve Justice Delivery

The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking bold steps to address longstanding inefficiencies in the justice sector by introducing a centralised national database. This initiative, spearheaded by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, aims to revolutionize the country’s legal framework by leveraging advanced technology.

At a two-day strategic session in Abuja for ICT representatives from various justice sector agencies, Jedy-Agba highlighted the absence of a unified National Criminal Registry as a critical gap undermining justice delivery. She emphasized that the lack of accessible and comprehensive data has led to unreliable statistics and unrecorded criminal convictions, impeding effective decision-making.

“The inefficiency in accessing accurate and timely information is a significant obstacle. A centralised database will enhance coordination among justice institutions, streamline processes, and expedite justice delivery,” Jedy-Agba stated.

The centralised national database, as envisioned, will serve as a digital hub for managing and sharing data across law enforcement, regulatory, and security agencies. The initiative aligns with Sections 16, 17, and 29 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which advocate integrating technology into justice processes.

The database will facilitate:

1. Unified Data Management: Coordination of records across agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

2. Real-Time Access: Streamlined access to case files, investigations, and prosecution statuses for authorized personnel.

3. Biometric Integration: Accurate identification and monitoring of inmates to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities.

While some agencies have made strides in digitizing their operations, these efforts remain fragmented. In 2019, an automated case management system incorporating biometric data for inmates was piloted but failed to achieve national implementation.

Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms, underscored the administrative inefficiencies plaguing the justice system. She noted that these issues erode public trust and perpetuate inequities, making a robust Justice Information Management System (JIMS) critical for transparency and equitable access to justice.

The initiative has also garnered international support. UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, stressed the importance of addressing Nigeria’s data management challenges to achieve effective justice administration. He emphasized that accurate data is vital for informed decision-making and the equitable dispensation of justice.

The Federal Government’s move to adopt a centralised national database signifies a commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s justice system. By addressing existing inefficiencies, the initiative is expected to foster transparency, accelerate case processing, and restore public trust in the legal system.

This digital transformation is not just a technological upgrade but a foundational shift towards a more effective, inclusive, and equitable justice system for all Nigerians.