By Ibironke Ariyo

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has launched an initiative aimed at reducing prison congestion and promoting access to justice for indigent inmates in Nigeria.

The initiative, named, “Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project,” was introduced by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Abagi.

She made the announcement during a visit to law clinics at the University of Abuja and Philomath University, in Abuja.

Abagi explained that the project was designed to addressed the issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in custody.

She said the initiatives supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, involved deploying law clinicians to prisons to provide free legal services such as legal counselling, court representation, and advocacy for inmates.

Abagi highlighted the pressing issue of prison congestion in Nigeria, noting that over 60,000 inmates were currently awaiting trial.

She stressed that the initiative was designed to reduce this backlog by providing legal services to indigent inmates.

“The programme also aims to train law students and young lawyers to offer pro bono services, further increasing access to justice.

“The training of law students and young lawyers is critical to expanding the pool of legal support for inmates.

“The initiative, which will run until 2026 with the possibility of extension, is set to be implemented in 10 locations across five states, including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Lagos, Abuja, and Adamawa,” Abagi said.

Abagi called for support from the government and other stakeholders, urging them to contribute to the initiative’s success.

She believed the initiative would make a significant impact on thousands of inmates and contribute to the reform of the Nigerian justice system.

“We urge the government and other stakeholders to support this cause, as it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of inmates across the country.

‘”By working together, we can promote access to justice and reduce prison congestion in Nigeria,” Abagi urged.

The Vice Chancellor of Philomath University, Prof. Gylych Jelilov, speaking during the event, commended the initiative and assured that donated items would be used effectively at the Kuje Custodial Centre and across Nigeria.

Similarly, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja, lauded the PPDC and the American Embassy for their donations.

He noted that the equipment would aid in providing justice to inmates who previously lacked access to legal assistance.

“The equipment they donated to us is coming at the nick of time, and as we all know, Nigeria needs access to justice more than any other country in Africa.

“Our law clinics have been working hard, but we faced many constraints. However, with this equipment, it will go a long way in ensuring that those who need intervention receive it. We are going to do more,” he assured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event saw the deployment of various items, including computers, furniture, printers, cameras, files, and solar facilities, which will support the initiative’s legal services.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru