From empirical research and judicial reviews to the National Clearinghouse and nationwide SGBV response, JRI’s accomplishments span research, capacity-building and coalition work across Nigeria’s justice sector.
Lawyers mobilised to provide free legal services through the National Pro Bono Clearinghouse.
Reached in an access-to-justice needs assessment across six states.
State police commands whose Gender Desk Officers were trained on SGBV response.
Lead of the Africa Alliance for People-Centred Justice, advancing SDG 16.
Shaping Nigeria’s National Access to Justice Agenda. As a member of the Federal Government Technical Working Group, JRI helped shape Nigeria’s Draft National Strategy for Equal Access to Justice for All — placing people-centred justice, inclusion and legal empowerment at the heart of justice sector reform.
Leading Africa’s People-Centred Justice Movement. As West Africa Lead of the Africa Alliance for People-Centred Justice, JRI coordinates regional efforts to advance SDG 16, facilitating collaboration among governments, civil society, academia and justice institutions across Africa.
Expanding Access to Justice Through Pro Bono Services. JRI established Nigeria’s National Clearinghouse for Pro Bono Services, mobilising more than 500 lawyers and numerous law firms to provide free legal representation for pre-trial detainees and survivors of gender-based violence.
Measuring the Justice Gap Across Nigeria. JRI conducted one of Nigeria’s most extensive access-to-justice needs assessments across 75 Local Government Areas in six states, generating critical evidence to inform advocacy, programme design and policy reform.
Reforming Pro Bono Policy. JRI developed and submitted draft Practice Directions to Chief Judges in several jurisdictions seeking waiver of court filing fees and accelerated hearing of pro bono cases, removing procedural barriers to public interest litigation.
Supporting Justice Sector Reform in Lagos State. JRI has strengthened the Lagos State justice system by evaluating reforms, facilitating stakeholder validation processes, and helping develop long-term reform strategies for a more efficient, transparent and citizen-centred system.
Transforming Magistrates’ Courts. With support from the UK’s DFID Security, Justice and Growth Programme, JRI conducted a comprehensive institutional review of Lagos State Magistrates’ Courts whose recommendations formed the basis for major policy reforms.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Institutions. JRI has delivered specialised capacity-building for investigators and prosecutors of the EFCC and ICPC, enhancing compliance with international human rights standards and preventive approaches to combating corruption.
Building Stronger Justice Institutions. JRI has designed and delivered executive training for judicial officers, Judicial Service Commission members, prosecutors, investigators and government lawyers across Nigeria, strengthening institutional leadership and judicial administration.
Advancing Financial Sector Governance. In partnership with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), JRI has delivered specialised training for legal advisers and judicial officers on Deposit Insurance Law and international best practice.
Driving Judicial Reform. JRI prepared and submitted a policy paper to the National Assembly on judicial appointments and judicial reform, contributing expert recommendations to strengthen judicial independence, transparency and accountability.
Informing Public Policy Through Evidence-Based Research. Commissioned by the Lagos State Government, JRI undertook an empirical study on public perceptions of capital punishment, providing valuable evidence to inform debate and policy on criminal justice reform.
Countering Polarisation and Strengthening Social Cohesion. Through the Active Citizens Initiative, JRI conducts research, convenes dialogue and supports youth engagement to promote peaceful coexistence, democratic resilience and civic trust.
Creating National Dialogue on Justice Reform. JRI convenes the Access to Justice Webinar Series, bringing together judges, lawyers, academics, civil society and development partners to identify innovative solutions to justice challenges.
Influencing Public Policy and Governance. Through its Law and Policy Webinar Series, JRI provides a national platform where scholars, policymakers and practitioners examine critical governance, economic and social issues.
Advancing Legal Scholarship. JRI publishes the Appellate Review — now The Appellate Forum — and the JRI Journal of Law and Policy, respected platforms for examining landmark judicial decisions and emerging governance challenges.
Reforming Police Response to Gender-Based Violence. Working with the National Human Rights Commission, UN Women, the Office of the Vice President and the Nigeria Police Force, JRI drafted the Nigeria Police Force Order on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, institutionalising survivor-centred procedures nationwide.
Standardising Police Training on SGBV. JRI partnered with UN Women and the Nigeria Police Force to develop Nigeria’s first standardised national training curriculum for Gender Desk Officers, strengthening rights-based responses to survivors.
Building Capacity Across the Nigeria Police Force. JRI trained Gender Desk Officers from all 36 State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory, equipping frontline officers with practical tools and simplified operational manuals for handling SGBV cases consistently.
Strengthening Survivor Support Systems. JRI provided technical assistance and institutional mentoring to the FCT Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team, improving case management, data collection and inter-agency coordination.