The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has emphasized that corruption continues to be one of the most persistent challenges undermining all sectors and institutions in Nigeria, particularly affecting policy decision-making and governance.
Dr. Aliyu made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) on December 5, 2024. His address, titled “Justice System Administration And Insecurity In Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, And Solutions,” highlighted the critical role of corruption in destabilizing Nigeria’s justice and security systems.
Addressing the multi-faceted challenges faced by these sectors, Aliyu stressed that while enforcement is crucial, a comprehensive, proactive approach, including prevention, deterrence, and systems reform, is necessary to effectively combat corruption. He noted that corruption not only impedes the efficient mobilization and utilization of resources but also compromises policy execution and service delivery.
Aliyu further pointed out that the justice system struggles with various institutional, funding, infrastructural, and human resource challenges. A key issue, he said, is the insufficient budget allocation, which has resulted in inefficient court administration, poor management of court processes, and lack of technological support. He also highlighted widespread corruption, including bribery and influence peddling, which hinders the effectiveness of the justice system.
The ICPC chairman criticized the justice sector for its limited use of technology, such as electronic filing and digital record-keeping, which he described as a “sad commentary” in the modern era. He also raised concerns about inadequate court infrastructure, prison overcrowding, and poor working conditions for judicial officers.
Additionally, Aliyu discussed socio-cultural challenges, including disparities in access to justice based on wealth, social status, and language barriers. He also noted the inefficiencies in managing criminal justice institutions, pointing to slow implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.
On insecurity, Aliyu highlighted the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism by groups like Boko Haram and ISWA, criminal gangs, farmer-herder conflicts, and separatist movements in the Southeast. He called for a multi-faceted approach to tackle insecurity, noting the link between ineffective justice system administration and rising criminality.
The ICPC chairman proposed both short-term and long-term solutions to address these challenges. Short-term solutions include the adoption of automation and digitalization in the justice system, improved case management, and regular training for judicial officers. Long-term solutions focus on comprehensive judicial reforms, legislative changes, improved access to justice for marginalized groups, and tackling the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment.
Aliyu also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions and improving accountability, calling for enhanced surveillance, better infrastructure, and more effective community policing to address insecurity. He advocated for a behavior-change approach to corruption prevention and the need for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to drive reform in the justice and security sectors.
In conclusion, Aliyu reiterated that corruption prevention, behavioral change, and robust institutional frameworks are key to overcoming the challenges facing Nigeria’s justice and security systems. He called for more resources and support for the ICPC’s efforts to drive systemic change and build a more just and secure society.