The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing human security, and promoting gender-inclusive access to justice across West Africa.
This assurance was given at the opening of a regional symposium on “Rule of Law, Human Security, Accountability, and Gender Access to Justice in the ECOWAS Region,” held on March 31, 2026.
Representing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, welcomed participants from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union, GIZ, the German Embassy, and various human rights institutions and security agencies across the region.
Delivering the Minister’s address, Ajani described the symposium as a timely platform to address longstanding barriers to justice, particularly for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
“The promise of justice remains elusive for many across our region due to systemic gaps, cultural barriers, and institutional fragility,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that the rule of law remains central to democratic governance, stressing the need for transparency, equality before the law, and protection of citizens’ rights. However, he noted that gender disparities and weak accountability systems continue to hinder progress.
The Minister further explained that human security extends beyond the absence of conflict to include freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the protection of human dignity. He warned that excluding women and marginalized groups from justice systems undermines national development and social stability.
Highlighting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister outlined ongoing efforts to build a justice system that is efficient, inclusive, and responsive to gender-based violence, while strengthening legal frameworks and institutional capacity.
He also called for deeper regional collaboration among ECOWAS member states to harmonize legal systems, share best practices, and tackle transnational crimes such as human trafficking, violent extremism, and organized crime.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), participants were urged to intensify efforts toward strengthening justice systems and protecting vulnerable populations.
Ojukwu noted that access to justice remains uneven across the region, especially for women and children who face discrimination, harmful cultural practices, and economic barriers.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of ECOWAS, the European Union, GIZ, and the German Embassy, emphasized the importance of integrating rule of law, human security, gender equality, and access to justice as critical pillars for sustainable development in West Africa.
Participants were encouraged to move beyond dialogue and implement actionable policies and partnerships that would improve access to justice and enhance the lives of citizens across the region.
The symposium was formally declared open with a call for impactful deliberations and strengthened regional cooperation.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that justice remains a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of gender, status, or circumstance.