The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing human security, and promoting gender-inclusive access to justice across the West African region.
This commitment was underscored at the opening of a regional symposium on “Rule of Law, Human Security, Accountability, and Gender Access to Justice in the ECOWAS Region.”
Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani welcomed distinguished participants, including representatives of ECOWAS, the European Union, GIZ, the German Embassy, human rights institutions, and operational services from across West Africa and beyond.
Delivering the Minister’s address, the Permanent Secretary described the symposium as “a timely and critical convergence of policy, principle, and purpose,” emphasizing the urgent need to address systemic barriers that hinder access to justice—particularly for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
“The promise of justice remains elusive for many across our region,” the Hon. Minister noted. “Systemic gaps, cultural barriers, and institutional fragility are not peripheral concerns; they are direct constraits on human dignity, security, and sustainable development.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the rule of law remains the bedrock of democratic governance, requiring transparency, equality before the law, and protection for all citizens. However, persistent gender disparities and weak accountability systems continue to undermine progress.
The Hon. Minister further stressed that human security goes beyond the absence of conflict, encompassing freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the assurance of dignity. It warned that excluding women and marginalized groups from justice systems weakens societal stability and national development.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is advancing a transformative vision for a justice system that is: Efficient, equitable and inclusive; Responsive to gender-based violence; Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to eliminate discrimination; Enhancing the capacity of law enforcement, judicial, and custodial institutions; Anchored on accountability and public trust and promoting community-based initiatives that empower citizens to access justice with dignity and confidence, he said.
He also called for deeper regional collaboration through ECOWAS to harmonize legal frameworks, share best practices, and collectively address transnational threats such as human trafficking, violent extremism, and organized crime. Our shared security ultimately depends on our shared commitment to accountability and cooperation.
”The intersection of gender and justice is far more than a conceptual discourse; it is fundamental to peace, stability, and enduring development. Inclusive and accessible justice systems strengthen national cohesion and reinforce regional resilience. Conversely, a society that fails to protect its most vulnerable cannot truly claim to uphold justice or security“. He noted.
In a welcome address 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.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that the symposium comes at a crucial time, amid persistent human rights challenges in the region, including insecurity, weak institutional accountability, and limited access to justice.
“Access to justice remains uneven across the region, particularly for women and children who face systemic discrimination, harmful cultural practices, and economic exclusion,” he said.
Goodwill messages were drawn from representatives of ECOWAS, the European Union, GIZ, German Embassy, human rights institutions. They emphasized that the intersection of rule of law, human security, gender equality, and access to justice is fundamental to achieving peace, stability, and sustainable development in the ECOWAS region.
Participants were urged to move beyond dialogue and translate discussions into actionable policies, programmes, and partnerships that will deliver measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
In conclusion, the Federal Government of Nigeria remains unwavering in its resolve to advance the rule of law, strengthen human security, and ensure that justice is not the privilege of a few, but the inalienable right for all; regardless of gender, status, or circumstance, the Hon. Minister stated.
The symposium was formally declared open by Hon Minister with a call for impactful deliberations and strengthened regional collaboration.
E-Signed
Mary Ali (Mrs.)
Head, Press & Public Relations
31st March 2026
