The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the umbrella body of the 36 state governors, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) to advance a people-centred justice agenda across the federation.
The partnership is aimed at promoting accessible, affordable and responsive justice systems in the 36 states, while providing renewed institutional backing for Nigeria’s justice reform efforts.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General of the NGF, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, said the agreement marks a transition from years of engagement to a more structured, long-term collaboration focused on delivering measurable outcomes for citizens.
A statement issued on Saturday by the NGF Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, quoted Shittu to have explained that the relationship between both institutions predates the MoU, having evolved through sustained, evidence-based engagement on justice reform.
He described the Justice Needs and Satisfaction in Nigeria 2023 Report as a defining milestone in the collaboration, noting that it provides critical insights into how Nigerians experience justice, identifies persistent gaps, and guides more targeted reforms.
According to him, the report has equipped policymakers, practitioners and justice sector stakeholders with credible data to move beyond assumptions and design interventions that respond directly to citizens’ needs.
Shittu said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to promoting justice that is accessible, affordable, fair and responsive, particularly at the subnational level where most justice challenges occur.
The MoU establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the NGF and HiiL, signalling a shift from dialogue to coordinated action.
