Strengthening justice and rights protection across Nigeria

International IDEA’s work through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II) in Nigeria has strengthened Nigeria’s justice sector by improving detainee rights, ensuring access to justice for vulnerable groups, promoting the adoption of non‑custodial sentencing and safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. The key to success has been fostering greater accountability and trust among lawyers, magistrates and police by supporting regular monitoring of detention practices. 

Support for the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme and for magisterial cell visits has increased accountability at police stations and enhanced detainees’ access to legal assistance. The Scheme provides free legal assistance to inmates in police detention facilities across the country. Coordination committees have improved collaboration across justice actors, leading to a record number of child protection restraint orders and cross‑sector initiatives in Lagos and Edo State. 

Advocacy and training have expanded the use of community service, parole and restorative justice, signalling growing acceptance of non‑custodial sentencing. Meanwhile, engagement with disability rights groups has contributed to new state‑level legal frameworks, improved accessibility measures and expanded availability of sign‑language interpretation, reinforcing the recognition of persons with disabilities as rights holders.