By Gideon Maxwell
July 1, 2026
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called for stronger collaboration with Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, to ensure the effective implementation and long term sustainability of institutional reforms across Nigeria’s justice sector.
Osinbajo made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, CSLS, an event marking two decades of the organisation’s contributions to justice sector reform, human rights promotion, and the strengthening of the rule of law.
The event drew key stakeholders in the justice sector, including former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, among others.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion through his representative and former Lagos State Attorney General, Ade Ipaye, Osinbajo said reforms can only endure through sustained engagement and collaboration, noting that the CSLS has consistently demonstrated that approach.
According to him, the emergence of the organisation two decades ago coincided with a defining period in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“At the time, the nation was grappling with profound challenges within the justice sector, including institutional weaknesses, delays in the administration of justice, inadequate accountability mechanisms, and growing concerns about public confidence in the rule of law.
“These challenges underscored the need for sustained engagement. There was a clear need for independent organisations that would provide thought leadership, promote reforms, support institutional development, and serve as a bridge between law, practise, and the public interest. It was against this backdrop that the Centre for Social Legal Studies was established.”
He said the CSLS has, over the past two decades, distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in justice sector reform.
While acknowledging significant progress over the years, Osinbajo said challenges confronting the nation’s justice system continue to evolve, particularly in the areas of access to justice, efficiency, public trust, respect for human rights, and institutional accountability.
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“Looking ahead, I encourage CSLS to remain steadfast in its commitment to excellence in innovation and public service. The next 20 years will undoubtedly present new challenges, but they will also offer opportunities to deepen reforms, harness emerging technologies, strengthen institutions, and build a justice system that is more responsive, efficient, and accessible to all.
“The Centre’s experience, credibility, and extensive network of partnerships uniquely position it to continue playing a leading role in this endeavour.”
In his remarks, President of the CSLS, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, urged the Federal Government to adopt stricter financial controls, including limits on daily cash withdrawals, as part of broader efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
He said, “Although governments at both the federal and state levels deserve commendation for the efforts they have made, much more remains to be done.
“Permit me, therefore, to respectfully propose a number of practical measures which, if implemented, could substantially strengthen our national response to insecurity.
“First, there is an urgent need to reduce the circulation of large volumes of cash within the economy. Reasonable limits on daily cash withdrawals, coupled with stricter enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations, would significantly constrain the ability of criminal organisations to collect ransom payments and finance illegal operations.”
Akinseye George also called on financial institutions to promptly report suspicious transactions and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
He further advocated institutionalising a dedicated whistleblower programme against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, comprehensive registration and revalidation of all vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles, and the integration of vehicle registration databases with the National Identity Management System and verified telephone records.
He added that filling stations should be required to install CCTV surveillance systems and prohibited from selling fuel to unregistered vehicles and motorcycles.
“Technology must also become a central pillar of our national security architecture. Government should invest substantially in drones, surveillance technologies and integrated electronic monitoring systems capable of detecting suspicious activities and enabling rapid deployment of security personnel.
“Vulnerable public institutions, including schools, places of worship, markets and traditional institutions, should equally be equipped with modern electronic surveillance facilities linked to central monitoring centres.
“Beyond security operations, however, Nigeria must address the underlying socio-economic conditions that fuel criminality. Sustainable peace requires significant investment in education, youth empowerment, sports development and job creation. Every child should have access to quality basic education, while sporting and vocational programmes should be revitalised to provide constructive opportunities for our young people.
“Community participation must equally be strengthened. Community Development Associations and village organisations should be empowered to participate actively in local governance and community development. Incentives should be provided for youth involvement in environmental sanitation, infrastructure maintenance and other community service initiatives.”
On state policing, he maintained that success would depend on good governance, accountability, technological innovation, community participation and adequate funding.
“I respectfully submit that policing reforms alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security challenges. Simply increasing the number of armed personnel may unintentionally create new opportunities for abuse, intimidation and insecurity.”
A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of awards to individuals, organisations and media institutions recognised for advancing the mission of the CSLS over the past 20 years.
