By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi
Uku, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, on Tuesday hosted delegates of the Conference of Network of Justice Sector Reform Teams to a memorable gala night in Lafia, marking the official commencement of activities for this year’s national justice reform conference.
The event, held at the prestigious Dr. Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall along Shendam Road in Government House, Lafia, attracted a diverse gathering of stakeholders, including top officials from the Federal Ministry of Justice, key representatives from Nasarawa State, members of the judiciary, security agencies, and justice sector reform teams from several states across the federation.
In his welcome remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Isaac Danladi, who represented the State Government, expressed profound appreciation to the participants for choosing Nasarawa State as the host for this year’s conference.
He assured delegates of a peaceful, secure, and hospitable environment, emphasizing the Sule administration’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
“Nasarawa is safe, peaceful, and ever ready to host national engagements of this magnitude,” he affirmed.
A Conference Anchored on a Crucial National Theme
This year’s conference is anchored on the theme:
“The Interoperability Between Access to Justice and the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.”
The theme, according to reform advocates, reflects the urgent national need to bridge the longstanding gap between justice delivery systems and economic development frameworks.
Delegates are expected to deliberate on how coordinated reforms can strengthen court processes, enhance prosecution efficiency, improve dispute resolution, and create a justice environment capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
Barr. Danladi emphasized that investors, both local and international, depend heavily on predictable justice systems that are transparent, efficient, and accessible.
Aligning justice delivery with ease of doing business indicators, he noted, is essential for attracting investments, promoting commercial stability, and fostering public trust in state institutions.
Strengthening National Collaboration
The gala night provided a relaxed but purposeful environment for delegates to network, exchange ideas, and build stronger partnerships aimed at advancing justice sector reform across Nigeria.
Participants commended Nasarawa State for its hospitality and for providing a conducive atmosphere for the commencement of the conference. Reform teams highlighted the importance of digital integration, data harmonization, institutional coordination, and capacity building as key drivers of a modern justice system that meets global standards.
Setting the Tone for Days of Robust Deliberations
The successful hosting of the gala night set the tone for several days of intense deliberations, expert presentations, and collaborative planning sessions expected to shape the next phase of justice sector reform in Nigeria.
Barr. Danladi reaffirmed that Nasarawa State remains committed to partnering with federal institutions and other states to pursue reforms that will enhance access to justice, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen the rule of law.
