Nigeria’s justice system continues to face significant challenges, particularly around access to legal representation and protection of citizens’ rights. Many indigent citizens remain in prolonged pre-trial detention due to the lack of timely legal aid, contributing to overcrowded correctional facilities and widespread human rights violations. Despite the existence of progressive laws aimed at improving justice delivery, such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, gaps in implementation and weak oversight have hindered meaningful reform.

The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (PWAN), also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria, has been at the forefront of strengthening transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s criminal justice system since 2016. Through its Rule of Law and Citizens Security programs, PWAN works to enhance citizen participation and foster stronger collaboration between justice sector institutions and the communities they serve.

With support from the MacArthur Foundation, PWAN is expanding its proven models to Plateau State, tackling systemic barriers that prevent equitable justice for all.

What We Did

Pro Bono Legal Services

• We engaged 10 dedicated lawyers to serve as duty solicitors at police stations and correctional centres and provided free legal aid to detainees, ensuring access to quality representation.
• We collaborated with key partners such as Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC), Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Citizens’ Education Campaigns & Public Enlightenment

• We conducted community education campaigns in partnership with religious leaders and community gatekeepers to raise awareness of legal rights and organized legal clinics across Plateau State to offer free legal advice and referrals.
• We leveraged radio, television, and other media platforms to broadcast legal information, ensuring broad outreach across Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, and Pankshin LGAs.

Our Impact

Through this initiative, PWAN is breaking down barriers to justice by:

• Increasing access to justice for vulnerable and indigent citizens.
• Reducing prolonged pre-trial detentions, thereby decongesting correctional facilities.
• Enhancing human rights protection through improved legal representation and oversight.

By combining citizen engagement, legal empowerment, and strategic partnerships, this project creates sustainable pathways for reform. It builds trust between communities and justice institutions while setting a replicable model for improving justice delivery across Nigeria.