To be a leading force in advancing people-centred governance principles and people-centred justice in Africa — including a robust legal and judicial system that protects the liberties of individuals and supports development.
Justice Research Institute (Ltd. Gte) is a Nigerian not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and a leading independent think tank dedicated to advancing justice sector reform, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting People-Centred Justice across Africa.
Established to support the effective administration of justice and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions — JRI works at the intersection of research, policy, innovation, and institutional reform to build justice systems that are fair, accessible, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all people, particularly the most vulnerable and those furthest behind.
JRI is affiliated with the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, and serves as the Founding Member and West Africa Lead of the Africa Alliance for People-Centred Justice (AAPCJ), a continental coalition committed to transforming justice systems through people-centred approaches and evidence-based reforms.
For over two decades, JRI has provided intellectual, technical, and institutional leadership to collaborative initiatives that deepen democracy, strengthen the rule of law, and improve access to justice.
The Institute collaborates closely with government institutions, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector — including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Federal and State Ministries of Justice, Offices of the Attorneys-General, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Police Force, correctional services, legal aid institutions and anti-corruption agencies — to develop innovative models of justice delivery that are inclusive, participatory and responsive.
To be a leading force in advancing people-centred governance principles and people-centred justice in Africa — including a robust legal and judicial system that protects the liberties of individuals and supports development.
To influence policies, strengthen institutions and empower young people for civic engagement that support democracy, drive innovation and improve justice outcomes for citizens — becoming the most reliable source of data on the justice sector and building the capacity of justice actors to adopt best practices in delivery.
Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, JRI is advancing a bold agenda organised around five interconnected strategic pillars that respond to emerging governance and justice challenges across Africa.
Strengthening democratic institutions and accountable, inclusive governance across the continent.
Reforming justice systems and piloting community-based innovations built around real legal needs.
Harnessing technology to strengthen institutional effectiveness and improve access to justice.
Producing rigorous evidence that bridges the gap between policy and implementation.
Empowering young people for civic participation, democratic resilience and social cohesion.