Osinbajo Advocates Citizen-Centric Justice Reform at NBA

On Tuesday, during the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, advocated for a people-centred approach to justice reform. Represented by Ade Ipaye, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Osinbajo stressed the importance of repositioning the justice system to meet the actual needs of citizens.

He emphasized that reform efforts should begin with rigorous data collection on justice needs and case outcomes, stating, “What is measured is what gets funded and fixed.” Osinbajo called for prioritization of high-impact sectors such as pre-trial detention and legal assistance, asserting that these early successes would garner support for more complex reforms. He urged the NBA to lead in policy and structural reforms to expand access to justice while maintaining ethical standards.

Osinbajo highlighted the potential of pro bono work in providing legal aid to those unable to afford representation, reinforcing the need for a justice system that serves all citizens.