MINISTERIAL PLATFORM FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE MID-TERM ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMEMMORATION OF THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN’S ADMINISTRATION Presented by MR. MOHAMMED BELLO ADOKE, SAN, CFR Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
1.
INTRODUCTION
Accountability of public officers and institutions is a key component of this administration’s transformation agenda. I am therefore delighted at the opportunity to give account of our stewardship at the Federal Ministry of Justice in commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Administration.
INTRODUCTION
Let me start by expressing my deep appreciation to Almighty God for the rare privilege of serving this great country during the period under review and His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, for appointing me to this position of public trust. I also commend Mr. Labaran Maku, the Honourable Minister of Information, for providing a veritable platform for Ministers to engage with the Nigerian people on the activities of their Ministries and parastatals, and for sustaining the vibrancy of this platform, since assumption of office.
INTRODUCTION The Federal Ministry of Justice is essentially a service ministry established to provide legal support services to other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to enable them discharge their statutory functions in line with the overall policy thrust of this administration. Consequently, we have remained focused in our collective endeavours to contribute our quota to the realization of the transformation agenda of this administration and have resolutely kept faith with our vision to “Make Justice accessible to all, consistent with the ideals of Democracy and Rule of Law�.
PART I: CORE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY 2. In line with our resolve to provide sound legal framework, advice and efficient service delivery to support the attainment of Government’s objectives, the Ministry embarked on a number of initiatives during the period under review with the aim of ensuring the smooth functioning of government through the effective discharge of our core functions which include:
PART I: CORE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY ensuring
access to justice for all persons and the observance of the rule of law and due process by all MDAs; prosecuting crimes against the State and defending civil cases on behalf of Government; negotiating and vetting Contracts/ Agreements on behalf of MDAs in order to protect national interest;
PART I: CORE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY rendering timely quality legal advice and ancillary services to MDAs through the pool of Legal Advisers posted to them; facilitating the early translation of Government policies into legislation through the Ministry’s legal drafting function; ensuring close collaboration with stakeholders, government agencies, civil society and the international community in order to improve on justice delivery, and
PART I: CORE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY  advising
government on its treaty obligations, in addition to other sundry services to the legal profession.
These functions are discharged through Core departments in the Ministry, the Legal Units domiciled in the various MDAs who act as representatives of the Attorney General of the Federation within their respective organizations and the liaison offices located in the six geo-political zones of the country. The Ministry also supervises the activities of the following parastatals :
Nigerian
Law Reform Commission Legal Aid Council Council of Legal Education National Drug Law Enforcement Agency National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Nigerian Copyrights Commission; and Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos.
PART II: ACHIEVEMENTS (2011 – 2013) 3.
During the period under review, the Ministry made significant improvement in its service delivery and recorded some milestones in the discharge of its mandate. Most notable of the achievements include: improvement in the prosecution of crimes and defence of civil cases; enhanced capacity building in key areas, particularly the prosecution of complex crimes (economic crimes, corruption, drug and terrorism related offences);
PART II: ACHIEVEMENTS (2011 – 2013) Reduction
in the number of cases farmed out to external solicitors; Reduction in the quantum of judgment debts obtained against MDAs; Institutionalization of reforms in the justice sector aimed at improving access to justice; Mainstreaming the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act;
PART II: ACHIEVEMENTS (2011 – 2013) Drafting
of legislation in critical areas such as the war against terror, money laundering and other economic crimes consistent with Nigeria’s international obligations; timely and efficient international cooperation on matters of extradition and mutual legal assistance; adoption of measures to improve on the administration of criminal justice, and initiatives to reform our Business and Investment laws.
PART III- ELABORATION OF THE MINISTRY’S ACHIEVEMENTS
4. To engender appreciation of the progress made in the areas mentioned above, the activities of some of the Ministry’s professional departments and units are discussed below in greater detail:
(a)Prosecution of Crimes and Defence of Cases  The
major challenge with the prosecution of the crimes and the ability of Law Officers of the Ministry to effectively defend cases against the government has been a combination of lack of capacity, low morale and poor supervision. This had in the past resulted in low percentage of cases that are diligently prosecuted with adverse consequences and in respect of civil matter, the high percentage of judgment debts/arbitral awards against MDAs.
To stem this tide, vigorous capacity building trainings were embarked upon during the period under review. The Ministry also benefited from capacity building trainings from the J4A, the British Council, the United States Embassy, etc. These trainings impacted positively on our Law Officers to the extent that the Ministry has drastically reduced its dependence on external solicitors and enhanced its prosecutorial abilities leading to more effective prosecution of criminal cases and defence of civil matters.
The Code of Conduct for Prosecutors has been articulated to ensure that prosecutors observe the highest professional and ethical standards in the discharge of their prosecutorial duties, as well as imbibe best practices drawn from other jurisdictions to guarantee fair conduct of trials. The Guidelines for Prosecutors that is in the final stages of completion will complement the Code of Conduct for Prosecutors. Ultimately, our desire is to ensure efficient and effective prosecutions, conducted with the highest possible professional and ethical standards.
Nature of the Criminal Matters handled During the period under review, a total number of 75 cases of Terrorism and Boko Haram insurgency were received and prosecuted. Sixteen of the cases have been concluded with 8 convictions, while 35 were struck out. A good number of the terrorism cases were struck out because the accused persons had escaped during the attack on prisons in Bauchi and Maiduguri. The suspects will be arraigned as soon as they are apprehended.
Nature of the Criminal Matters handled In addition, a total of 244 general offences, including culpable homicide, rape, armed robbery and traffic offences, were handled. Fifteen cases have been concluded with 10 convictions, while the remaining cases are at different stages of trial, namely hearing, defence or ruling/judgment. Although, phenomenal improvements have been made in the criminal justice system, the fact remains that the workings of the justice system is still not as fast as we would desire. The absconding of some accused persons who jumped bail also frustrated many of the cases.
Petitions A total of 60 petitions bordering on breach of rights of citizens, lack of action on criminal matters by the law enforcement agencies, and requests for takeover of cases from the police for lack of diligent prosecution were received. All the petitions were promptly handled and appropriate action taken to address them. In many cases, the Ministry took over prosecution of such cases. Table A below contains the summary of cases and petitions handled by the Ministry during the period under review.
Table A: Nature of Criminal Cases and Petitions handled S/ N
Type of Receiv- In Cases ed Court
Convi- Petiti- Cases Cases/ ctions ons Conclud Petiti-ed ons In Progress
1.
Case Files
319
47
18
-
66
219
2.
Petitions
60
-
-
60
-
-
DISPOSITION OF CIVIL CASES HANDLED The period under review, particularly Year 2012, witnessed heightened litigations in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Courts, the National Industrial Court and the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. The Ministry received about 539 civil cases bordering on different claims which included the enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights actions relating to title to land, wrongful termination of appointments by various MDAs, Constitutional questions, contractual matters etc.
DISPOSITION OF CIVIL CASES HANDLED The Ministry was able to conclude over 86 matters in the domestic court, while others were before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. Most of the cases concluded were in favour of Government and the Ministry was able to save government the sum of N501, 278,765,770 (Five Hundred and One Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy Naira) in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/ 03/ 11.
DISPOSITION OF CIVIL CASES HANDLED
Incorporated Trustees of Miyetti Allah KautalHore Socio-cultural Association,.V. Federal Government of Nigeria. Similarly, in Registered Trustees of the Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/08/09) the Ministry was able to save the Government the sum of US$ 1 Billion (N158, 000,000,000) that would have been paid as damages.
JUDGMENT DEBT The Ministry is the secretariat for the Presidential Committee on Judgment Debt Verification. The Committee which has representatives from the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Accountant General of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Bar Association meets regularly under the chairmanship of the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice to verify and authorize payment of judgment debts obtained against the government.
JUDGMENT DEBT During the period under review, about 89 judgment creditors were paid in accordance with the judgments verified by the Committee. As a result of the negotiations, which took place between the Committee and the various judgment creditors, which led to the reduction of interest charged by them on the judgment debt, Government was saved the sum of N 13, 360,783,169.39 (Thirteen Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Million, One Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira, Thirty-Nine Kobo). Table B contains a summary of the civil cases handled by the Ministry:
TABLE B: NATURE OF CIVIL MATTERS HANDLED S/
TYPES OF
RECEIV
N
MATTER
ED
RESOLUTION IN COURT
ADR FINANCIAL VALUE
PENDING
IN FAVOUR OF
NIGERIA NIGERI
ECOWA
CONVICTIO
A
S
N
86
453
N659, 278,765,770
1
LITIGATION
539
2
ARBITRATIO
28
10
20
20
335
335
18
N 3
NEGOTIATIO N
4
LEGAL OPINIONS
5
DEBT
89
JUDGEMENT 6
REVIEW OF CASES
N13, 360,783,169.39 490
490
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
The period under review witnessed increased wave of terrorist activities, especially in the northern parts of the country. The Ministry was therefore confronted with the need to provide a legal framework that would not only prescribe offences and appropriate penalties for those who engage in terrorist activities, but would also provide the legal framework to coordinated response by relevant security agencies in order to fulfill government’s obligation to provide security and protect the lives and properties of its people.
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
In response to these exigencies, the Ministry worked assiduously in concert with relevant agencies of Government, the United Nations and our development partners to fashion out the Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011. This was the first comprehensive legal framework to deal with the menace of terrorism in the country.
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
 Furthermore,
the nexus between money laundering and terrorist financing made it imperative for us to amend our money laundering legislation to bring it in conformity with global efforts to counter terrorist financing, as well as satisfy the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard setting body in that regard. This resulted in the Money Laundering(Prohibition) Act of 2011.
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
 The
weaknesses identified in the Terrorism Prohibition Act of 2011 and the Money Laundering Act of 2011, led to further amendments which gave rise to the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended and Money Laundering Act of 2013. To achieve these, the Ministry worked tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure that an appropriate legal framework for the war against terror consistent with global standards is put in place.
(B)
It
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
will be recalled that recently, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation relied on the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act No. 10 of 2011 as amended to seek the proscription of JAMAATU AHLIS-SUNNA LIDDAAWATI WALJIHAD and JAMA‘ATU ANSARUL MUSLIMINA FI BILADIS SUDAN in Nigeria.
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
The Federal High Court has since granted the Order, which has been published as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice, No. 91 of 2013. The Court granted the Proscription Order which: (a) declared the activities of the two organizations in any part of this country as terrorism and illegal;  (b) proscribed the existence of the two associations in any part of Nigeria either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called, and 
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
(c) restrained any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the proscription of the collective intention or otherwise of the said groups.
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
This will make it possible to now apprehend and punish members of these proscribed organizations for engaging in terrorist activities, as well as confiscate any property connected to terrorist activities.
(B)
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
The Complex Casework Group set up in the Department of Public Prosecutions is currently undergoing intensive training on the prosecution of complex crimes to enable them to effectively handle the prosecution of complex crimes such as terrorism, economic crimes and corruption cases.
(C)
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
International cooperation is the bedrock for concerted global action against organized crimes, which often transcend national frontiers. Nigeria as a responsible member of the international community is enjoined to provide timely international cooperation to requesting countries in line with her obligations under various international legal instruments and the principle of reciprocity. Over the years, we have had to grapple with inherent administrative and bureaucratic red tape, which often put the country in default of her international obligations in this respect.
(C)
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
To address this challenge, the Central Authority Unit was established under the direct supervision of the Attorney General of the Federation during the period under review. This has resulted in specialized training and equipping of the unit for efficient and effective performance, and timely response to requests for cooperation. The Ministry is grateful to the British Council and the United States Embassy for the support they have given to strengthen the unit.
(C)
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Furthermore, the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters within the Commonwealth (Establishment & Enforcement) Act, LFN, 2004 which regulates the provision of assistance in criminal matters has become unsuitable for lagging behind new developments in the area of international cooperation. During the period under review, we proposed a Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2013 to bring our legislation in tandem with modern trends and best practices.
(C)
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
The passage of the Bill into law will further complement the institutional changes that we have made, particularly the workable synergy with all the Competent Authorities as well as other MDAs involved in the execution of all forms of international cooperation in criminal matters to fast-track the processing of requests for mutual legal assistance (MLA). Table C below contains the summary of the requests received and the output of the Unit.
TABLE C: MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS HANDLED
Total No. of MLA Request s
119
No. of Requests processed and forwarded to competent authorities for execution 68
No. of MLA requests concluded and forwarded to Requesting Countries
No. of requests under process
No. of MLA Request forwarded by Nigeria to other requested Countries
19
30
12
TABLE C: MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS HANDLED The Extradition Act CAP. E.25, LFN 2004 that governs extradition, another form of international cooperation, is undergoing review to bring it in conformity with Nigeria’s treaty obligations. Unlike MLA, extradition is a process that involves the Judiciary. Consequently all requests for extradition must be filed with the Federal High Court where they undergo a full process of judicial review after which the Court determines whether or not there are cogent reasons why the suspect should not be surrendered to the requesting State. Table-D below shows the Extradition requests during the period under review.
TABLE D: EXTRADITION REQUESTS RECEIVED AND PROCESSED Total No. of Extraditio n Requests
No. of Requests concluded and fugitives surrendere d by Nigeria
34
9
No. of Cases under Process awaiting arrest of fugitives by the law enforcement authorities 12
No. of Requests pending in the Federal High Courts
No. of Request s in the Court of Appeal
No. of Outgoing Requests forwarded by Nigeria to Requested Countries
6
3
4
(D) STOLEN ASSETS RECOVERY During the period under review, the Ministry intensified its efforts to trace and repatriate Nigeria’s stolen assets abroad. In this connection we have maintained effective liaison and communication with targeted jurisdictions to keep pace with asset recovery proceedings in those jurisdictions. In 2011, our close liaison and negotiation with the Island of Jersey led to the recovery and repatriation of the sum of UK £22.5 Million confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and associate of General Sani Abacha, on account of his money laundering transactions from Nigeria.
(E) COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO FIGHT CORRUPTION The Ministry, in the discharge of its mandate as the focal Ministry under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, is in the process of finalizing a National Anti Corruption Strategy (NACS), to fight corruption in the country. While the different anti-corruption agencies have been doing a commendable job of fighting corruption in the country, Nigeria’s treaty obligations require her to have a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) that is holistic and inclusive.
During the period under review, the Ministry has been working assiduously with the Inter-Agency Task Team, civil society and our development partners to articulate a Strategy with appropriate Action Plans for all the agencies involved in the war against corruption. A Draft National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) has been produced and circulated to relevant agencies and the civil society for their comments and inputs to ensure the necessary buy-in to the process.
As soon as the Stakeholder Validation workshop scheduled for 18th of July 2013 is held, the NACS will be finalized and sent to the Federal Executive Council for approval as a policy document. This is to give effect to this administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and its commitment to fighting corruption in all its ramifications.
(f)Translating Policy into Legislation The Ministry continued to improve on the discharge of this important function through the work of its Legal Drafting Department. Apart from making significant inputs to the current Constitution Review process, especially the 2nd and 3rd Alteration of the Constitution, the Ministry also drafted several Executive Bills that were eventually passed into law by the National Assembly to give effect to Government’s policy. For Instance in 2011, 12 Executive Bills were processed by the Ministry and passed into law by the National Assembly.
(f)Translating Policy into Legislation In 2012, out of the18 Executive Bills proposed, 10 Bills are pending consideration by the National Assembly, 7 Bills are still under the review by the Ministry of Justice, while 1 Bill is pending consideration by the Federal Executive Council. Table E and Table F below contain a Summary of the Bills processed by the Ministry of Justice.
Table E- Summary of Bills Processed in 2011 S/N
BILL
TITLE OF BILL
INSTRUCTING AUTHORITY
NUMBER 1
STATUS OF BILL
EVIDENCE ACT (REPEAL AND ENACTMENT) BILL,
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
2011
JUSTICE AND OTHER STAKE
PASSED
HOLDERS IN THE JUSTICE SECTOR 2
SB 63
NIGERIAN SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
(COST ETC) BILL, 2011
FINANCE AND OTHER STAKE
PASSED
HOLDERS 3
LEGAL AID COUNCIL BILL, 2011
LEGAL AID COUNCIL
PASSED
4
FINANCIAL REPORTING COUNCIL OF NIGERIA BILL,
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
PASSED
2011
FINANCE
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL,
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
PASSED
CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL
PASSED
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
PASSED
5
2011 6
CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL OF THE FCT, ABUJA (JURISDICTION ON CHIEFTAINCY MATTERS) BILL, 2011
7
TERTIARY
8
EDUCATION
TRUST
FUND
(ESTABLISHMENT) BILL, 2011
EDUCATION
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL, 2011
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
PASSED
JUSTICE 9
SB 208
MONEY LAUNDERING (PROHIBITION) BILL, 2011
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
PASSED
JUSTICE 10
TERRORISM (PREVENTION) BILL, 2011
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
PASSED
JUSTICE 11
ELECTRORAL (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL, 2011
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE/ INEC
PASSED
Table F -Summary of Bills Processed in 2012 S/N
BILL
TITLE OF BILL
INSTRUCTING
NUMBE
STATUS OF BILL
AUTHORITY
R 1
BILL 732
UNIVERSITY
OF
LAGOS FEDERAL
(AMENDMENT) BILL, 2012 2
BILL 737
MUTUAL CRIMINAL
ASSISTANCE MATTERS
Pending
GOVERNEMENT
Before
NASS
IN FEDERAL MINISTRY Pending BILL, OF
2012
JUSTICE
OTHER
HOLDERS
Before
AND NASS STAKE
IN
THE
JUSTICE SECTOR 3
BILL 738
NATIONAL
TOBACCO FEDERAL MINISTRY PROCESSED
CONTROL BILL, 2012
OF HEALTH
TO
FEDERAL
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 4
BILL 719
Emergency Powers Bill, 2012
FEDERAL MINISTRY Under OF JUSTICE
5
BILL 720
Nigerian Police Act (Repeal and THE Re-enactment) Bill, 2011
by
FMOJ
NIGERIA Pending
POLICE FORCE
Review
NASS
Before
Table F -Summary of Bills Processed in 2012 6
722
7
723
A Bill For an Act to Amend the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, 2012 A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal High Court Act to make provision for increase in the number of Judges of the Federal High Court (from 70 to 100)
LAW REFORM Pending COMMISSION NASS FEDERAL COURT
HIGH Pending NASS
8
A Bill For An Act To Amend The FEDERAL MINISTRY PASSED Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 OF JUSTICE And For Other Related Matters
10
A Bill for An Act To Repeal NAPTIP Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement And Administration Act, 2003 As Amended And To Enact The Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement And Administrative Act To Provide Measures Against Trafficking And Smuggling Of Persons And Related Matters, 2012
11
Administration of Justice Bill, 2012
Criminal FMOJ
Pending NASS
Under FMOJ
Before
Before
Before
Review
by
Table F -Summary of Bills Processed in 2012 12
Witness Protection Bill, 2012
FMOJ
Under Review by FMOJ
13
Proceeds of Crimes Bill, 2012
FMOJ
Under
Review
by
FMOJ 14
A Bill For An Act To Provide For MINISTRY The
Establishment
Incorporation
Of
The
OF Pending Before NASS
And POLICE AFFAIRS
Nigeria
Police Academy As a DegreeAwarding Institution And Other Matters Connected Therewith 15
A Bill For An
Act to Prohibit THE PRESIDENCY
Chemical Weapons and Establish The National Authority For The Effective Implementation Of The Chemical
Weapons Convention
In Nigeria and For Other Matters Connected Therewith
Pending Before NASS
Table F -Summary of Bills Processed in 2012 16
733
A Bill for an Act to amend the FEDERAL Federal
Universities
of MINISTRY
Pending
Before
OF NASS
Agriculture Act, 2004 (Michael EDUCATION Okpara
University
of
Agriculture) Umudike, 2012 17
A Bill For An Act To Provide For MINISTRY The Establishment
Fiscal
And
OF Pending Before NASS
of A Legal, PETROLEUM
Regulatory RESOURCES
Framework For The Petroleum Industry In Nigeria And For Other Related Matters, 2012
18
A Bill For An Act To Provide For FEDERAL MINISTRY Under The
Establishment
Of
The OF
JUSTICE
Directorate For Cybercrime For ONSA The
Prohibition,
Detection,
Prevention,
Response
And
Prosecution Of Cybercrimes And For Other Related Matters
AND FMOJ
Review
by
Statutory Instruments Apart from legislation, the Ministry also processed 33 Statutory Instruments during the period under review. Out of this number, 18 have been gazetted, 13 are ready to be gazetted, while 1 is pending review by the Ministry of Interior. Table G below contains a summary of the Statutory Instruments processed by the Ministry during the period under review.
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 S/N STATUTO RY INSTRUM ENT NUMBER 1 S.I 909
2
S.I. 960
3
S.I/909/T
TITLE
INSTRUCTIN G AUTHORITY
IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE OF PRESIDENCY EMERGENCY IN SOME PARTS OF THE FEDERATION. APPOINTMENT OF LEGAL ASSESSOR TO THE DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL OF COMPUTTER PROFFESSIONALS (REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA). PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF PRESIDENCY EMERGENCY IN CERTAIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF THE COUNTRY.
STATUS
FINALIZE D FINALIZE D
GAZETTE D
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 4
S.I 910
IMPLEMENTATION OF PRESIDENT WAIVER & EXEMPTION OF TAXES ON ALL GOVERNMENT CORPORATE SUB-NATIONAL AND OTHER BODIES.
FEDERAL FINALIZE MINISTRY OF D FINANACE/ FIRS
5
COMPANIES AND INCOME TAX ACT LFN 2004 (COMPANIES INCOME TAX EXEMPTION) ORDER, 2012.
FEDERAL FINALIZE MINISTRY OF D FINANACE/ FIRS
6
NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (DISTRIBUTION AND RETAIL MULTIYEAR TARIFF ORDER,2012
NERC
FINALIZE D
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 7
8
9
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF STOCKBROKERS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL (PROCEDURES) RULES 2012. NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (FORUM RULES) REGULATIONS, 2012. FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE (ESTABLISHMENT) ACT 2007. INCOME TAX (TRANSFER PRICING)REGULATIONS , 2012
NERC
FINALIZ ED
NERC
FINALIZ ED
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANACE/ FIRS
FINALIZ ED
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 10
REQUEST FOR GAZETTE OF GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER ON 2012 ELECTION VIOLENCE AND CIVIL DISTURBANCES.
11
S.I 767
12
S.I 768
OFFICE OF GAZETT THE ED SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNME NT OF THE FEDERATIO N NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC FRSC FINALIZ REGULATIONS, 2012 ED NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY NERC FINALIZ REGULATORY ED COMMISSION(METHODOLOG Y FOR ESTIMATED BILLINGS) REGULATIONS, 2012
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 13
S.I 769
14
S.I 770
15
S.I 771
NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION(METHODOLOGY FOR THE DETERMINATION OF CONNECTION CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY) REGULATIONS, 2012 NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS) REGULATIONS, 2012.
NERC
FINALIZ ED
NERC
FINALIZE D
NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (ACQUISITION OF LAND AND ACCESS RIGHTS FOR ELECTRICITY PROJECTS IN NIGERIA) REGULATIONS, 2012
NERC
FINALIZE D
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 16
S.I 777
17
S.I 778
18
S.I 779
19
S.I 780
INLAND WATERWAYS AND NON-CONVENTION VESSELS SAFETY REGULATIONS, 2012, (MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 2007). THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT 2007, (LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION ) REGULATIONS , 2012) THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (ANTI – FOULING SYSTEMS)REGUALTIONS 2012 THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (BALLAST WATER REGUALTIONS) 2012
NIMASA
GAZETT ED
NIMASA
GAZETT ED
NIMASA
GAZETT ED
NIMASA
GAZETT ED
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 20 S.I 781
21 S.I 782
22 S.I 783
MERCHANT SHIPPING NIMASA (SEA DUMPING) REGUALTIONS 2012 MERCHANT SHIPPING NIMASA (PREVENTION OF POLLUTION OF GARBAGE) REGULATIONS 2012 MERCHANT SHIPPING NIMASA (PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN PACKAGED FORM) REGULATIONS, 2012
GAZET TED GAZETT ED
GAZETT ED
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 23 S.I 784
24 S.I 785
25 S.I 786
MERCHANT SHIPPING (LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION) REGUALTIONS 2012 MARINE ENVIRONMENT (SEA PROTECTION LEVY) REGULATIONS, 2012 MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT 2007 (SEA DUMPING REGULATIONS, 2012).
NIMASA
GAZET TED
NIMASA
GAZET TED
NIMASA
GAZET TED
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 26 S.I 787
27 S.I 788
28 S.I 789
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (DANGEROUS AND NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES IN BULK) REGULATIONS 2012 MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY GARBAGE ) REGULATIONS, 2012 PETROLEUM ACT 2004 (PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT (PRICE FIXING) ORDER, 2012
NIMASA
GAZETTED
NIMASA
GAZETTED
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES
GAZETTED
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 29
S.I 790
30
S.I 791
31
S.I 792
32
S.I 793
NIGERIA TAX PAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER REGULATIONS, 2012(FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE ( ESTABLISHMENT) ACT, 2007 WEIGHT AND MEASURES ACT 2004 ( WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (REPLACEMENT OF FIFTH SCHEDULE) ORDER, 2012 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (LEGAL METROLOGY AND RELATED SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2012 FIRE SERVICE ACT LFN 2004 NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE CODE, 2013
FEDERAL FINALIZED MINISTRY OF FINANACE/ FIRS
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
GAZETTED
FINALIZED
Table G: Summary of Statutory Instruments Processed IN 2012 33 S,I 794
PERSONAL INCOME TAX ACT 2004 (EXEMPTION OF HOLDERS OF BONDS AND SHORT TERM GOVERNMENT SECURITIES NOTICE, 2011
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANACE/ FIRS
FINALI ZED
(g) Legal Advisory Services
The Ministry has continued to render quality legal advice to MDAs in order to protect national interest. During the period under review, the Ministry through its Solicitors Department received 15 requests for legal advice, vetted 85 Contracts/Agreements, held 21 reconciliation meetings and processed 543 applications for consent to incorporate under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Table H below contains the details of the summary of the activities of the Solicitors Department.
Table H: Summary of the Activities of the Solicitors Department S/ N
Nature of the applications received
1
Legal Advice to the FGN Contract/Agreem 85 ents from MDAs Contracts/Agree 21 ments between FMOJ and Contractors
2 3
No. of Applicati ons received 15
No. of Applicati ons treated 15
No. of Approval s Granted 15
Pending Applicati ons
85
85
-
21
21
-
-
Table H: Summary of the Activities of the Solicitors Department 4
5
6
7
Negotiation and Reconciliatory Meetings Consent of the HAGF to incorporate under Part C CAMA Approvals to MDAs to Engage External Solicitors and payments of their fees Other Meetings and Workshops attended
102
102
102
-
543
411
411
-
249
249
249
-
78
78
78
-
(h)Mainstreaming the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011
The National Assembly passed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 2011with the objective of promoting open government in Nigeria. Its fair application and implementation was made a strategic objective in my Strategy For the Implementation of Justice Sector Reforms in Nigeria, which was launched on 6th August 2011.
(h)Mainstreaming the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011
To ensure its implementation and in fulfillment of my responsibilities under the Act, I issued an Advisory Memorandum – HAGF/MDAs/FOIA/2012/1 of 28th January 2012 to all MDAs to sensitise them on the new regime of open government and their obligations under the Act. This was followed by series of sensitization workshops to engender understanding of the prescriptions of the Act.
(h)Mainstreaming the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011
In furtherance of my responsibility to ensure the implementation of the Act, I issued the Guidelines on the Implementation of the FOIA of 12th March, 2012 to assist public institutions to interpret the Act, as well as discharge their obligations. The feedback received from the public encouraged us to embark on a further review of the Guidelines, which has been concluded and published as the Revised Guidelines on the Freedom of Information Act with the generous assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
(h)Mainstreaming the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011
The Ministry has also co-hosted FOI Zonal Workshops and trainings in Ekiti, Asaba and Abuja. We have also created a website, www.justice.gov.ng and dedicated contact phone lines-08182429403, 080111004929 and 08106577514 to enable the general public to engage with the Ministry on matters related to the implementation of the FOIA.
(h)Mainstreaming the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011
During the period under review, the Ministry has submitted 3 Annual Reports (April 2011, April 2012 and April 2013) to the National Assembly on the implementation of the Act in compliance with the Attorney General of the Federation’s reporting obligations under the Act. The cumulative effect of these measures and efforts is to give effect to this administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in Government.
(i)
Compliance with Treaty Obligations
The Ministry continued to discharge its function in order to enable Nigeria to comply with her obligations under various international legal instruments. The Ministry hosted the 51st Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) and the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in Abuja during the period under review.
(i)
Compliance with Treaty Obligations
The ministry and its parastatals have also been active in the work of the 6th Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation(WIPO).
Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements
To give effect to government’s resolve to create an enabling environment for the reception of foreign investments, the Ministry in collaboration with relevant MDAs are in the process of negotiating 9 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs). These are the IPPAs with Republic of Austria, EU countries comprising Belgium, Czech, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Belarus; Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Qatar, Indonesia, Iran and Pakistan. Table H below contains a summary of the IPPAs and the various stages of negotiation.
Table I- Summary of the IPPAs Negotiated or Signed S/ N 1 2
3
COUNTRY
DATE
STATUS
REMARKS
Republic of Austria EU Countries i) Belgium ii) Czech iii) Latvia iv) Lithuania v) Croatia vi) Belarus
March 2013
The IPPA has been signed Negotiations are ongoing
Canada
May 2013
1st Round negotiations concluded
The IPPA was duly negotiated and signed With the review of the Lisbon Treaty of 2007 in 2011 which stopped EU countries from signing individual IPPAS, Nigeria was chosen as one of the countries. The member States could negotiate with individually, thus the influx of requests. The 2nd Round Negotiations will be concluded in September 2013
Table I- Summary of the IPPAs Negotiated or Signed 4
Japan
May 2013 Negotiations have been reopened
Japan came with the Liberalization Model which is the new model Agreement similar to the USA Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIT) and the Canadian model. They are ready to reopen negotiations with the FRN model after the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) model.
5
Vietnam
April 2012 Negotiations are on-going
First round negotiations were concluded in 2012. Grey areas raised during the negotiations have been reviewed. 2nd Round negotiations are being awaited.
Table I- Summary of the IPPAs Negotiated or Signed 6
Qatar
7
Indonesia
8 9
Iran Pakistan
Marc h 2013 Octob er 2012
Drafts have been exchanged Drafts have been exchanged
During the period under review, the Ministry also prepared 14 instruments of ratification to give effect to Nigeria’s multilateral and bilateral treaties/agreements. These include treaties, conventions, optional protocols under various United Nations, African Union and International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Bilateral agreements are with Austria, South Africa and Switzerland. This is in line with the Ministry’s resolve to ensure timely compliance with international treaty obligations. Table I below shows the summary of the instruments prepared from 2011 to date.
Table J- Summary of Instruments Prepared S/ N 1.
2.
3.
INSTRUMENTS Instrument of Accession to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness Instrument of Accession to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons Instrument of Ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance
ORGANIZATI ON/COUNTRY
DATE RATIFIED
International Labour Organization
16th September 2011
United Nations
16th September 2011
United Nations
1st December 2011
Table J- Summary of Instruments Prepared 4.
Instrument of Ratification of African Union the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention)
17th April, 2012
5.
Instrument of Ratification of the International Instruments Amending the Telecommunications Constitution of the International Union Telecommunication Union (Geneva, 1992) and the Convention of the International Telecommunication Union (Geneva, 1992) as amended by the Plenipotentiary Conferences (Kyoto, 1994); Minneapolis, 1998), adopted by the Plenipotentiary Conferences (Marrakesh, 2002)
28th August, 2012
Table J- Summary of Instruments Prepared 6.
Instrument of Accession to United Nations the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons including Diplomatic Agents, New York, 14 December, 1973
7th September, 2012
7.
Instrument of Declaration to Article 3 (2) of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict
7th September, 2012
United Nations
Table J- Summary of Instruments Prepared 8.
Instrument of Accession to the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism 9. Instrument of Ratification on the Arms, Trade Treaty 10. Instrument of Ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006
United Nations
7th September, 2012
United Nations 31st May, 2013 International Labour Organisation
6th June, 2013
Table J- Summary of Instruments Prepared 8.
Instrument of Accession to the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism 9. Instrument of Ratification on the Arms, Trade Treaty 10. Instrument of Ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006
United Nations
7th September, 2012
United Nations 31st May, 2013 International Labour Organisation
6th June, 2013
Table J- Summary of Instruments Prepared 11.
12.
13. 14
INSTRUMENTS Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) negotiated and concluded with the Republic of Austria Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa on cooperation in the Legal Field Readmission Agreement between Nigeria and Austria Migration Partnership between Nigeria and Switzerland
ORGANIZATION Austria
DATE SIGNED March 2013
South Africa
7th May, 2013
Austria
8th June, 2012
Switzerland
14th February 2011
(j)Capacity Building for Effective Performance
In order to improve the quality of service delivery, the Federal Ministry of Justice embarked on a very ambitious human resource development programme during the period under review. A total of 486 Law Officers and 1744 non Lawyers across the entire strata of the Ministry received training. The objective of the training was to ensure that the staff remains focused and motivated.
(j)Capacity Building for Effective Performance
This has greatly improved staff morale and efficiency in the discharge of their duties. Overall, the Ministry has become more responsive to the requests for legal advice and support services from the various MDAs. We commend the British High Commission and the United States Embassy for the support they have given to Ministry in this regard. The Law Reporting Department of the Ministry has also sustained the publication of the Justice Journal and the All Nigeria Law Reports.
PART IV: PARASTATALS
The activities of the 7 parasatals supervised by the Federal Ministry of Justice are discussed below. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Government efforts at sustaining the counter-narcotics and anti-money laundering wars in the country have been relentless in the face of ever growing sophistication of the methods employed by perpetrators.
PART IV: PARASTATALS
The Agency has maintained intensive and extensive coverage of all the nooks and crannies of the country despite numerous challenges in order to ensure drug supply and demand reduction in the country. In the process, the de-listing of Nigeria from the “Drug Major List “ by the Government of the United States of American since 2009 still remains a remarkable achievement.
Arrests and Seizures
TABLE K: SEIZURES (KGS) FROM 2010 TO DATE – 607,104.27KGS S/ TYPES OF DRUGS
QUANTITY
N
1. Cocaine Seizures
1,249.12 kg
2. Heroin
442,862 kg
3. Cannabis Sativa
595,303.63 kg
4. Psychotropic Substances
9,805.012 kg
5. Methamphetamines
293.638 kg
TABLE L: ARRESTS AT THE SEAPORTS YEAR
WEIGHT
SUBSTANCE COUNTRY
2011
110 kg
Cocaine
Bolivia
2011
165 kg
Heroin
Bolivia
2012
113.49 kg
Heroin
Pakistan
TABLE M: ARRESTS AND SEIZURES BETWEEN 2011 AND 2012 Year
Cannabis
Cocaine
Heroin
Others
Total
Male
Female
Total
2011
191,847.91
410.81
39.75
2,985,447
195,283.9
8,072
567
8,639
2012
228,794.13
131.89
211.03
4,562.585
233,699.64
7,510
542
8,052
Total 420,642.04
542.70
250.78
7,548.032
428,983.54
15,582
1,109
16,691
TABLE N: PROSECUTION RECORDS BETWEEN 2011 AND 2012 Year
Convicted
Acquitted
Concluded
Pending
2011
1,491
10
1,501
701
2012
1,720
18
1,738
660
Total
3,211
28
3,239
1,361
TABLE O: DDRD RECORD OF ACTIVITIES BETWEEN 2011 AND 2012 Year
Counseled Referral Conclud Ons
ed
Going
2011
4,162
22
4,184
191
2012
4,136
22
4,158
142
Total 8,298
44
8,342
333
LEGAL AID COUNCIL
During the period under review, the Legal Aid Council provided access to justice, and legal representation in respect of criminal and civil matters. It handled the following cases: TABLE: P NATURE CASES
OF NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED Criminal 8730 Civil 1912 PDSS (Police 2851 Duty Solicitor Scheme)
APPROVED CASES (GRANTED) 8730 1912 2851
COMPLETED CASES
4868 1106
LEGAL AID COUNCIL
• The Council, in collaboration with the NBA and Lawyers without Borders, completed a three-year project on the UN Convention Against Torture. • It hosted a national conference in 2012, tagged “Access to Justice in a Democracy”, and held a Sensitization and Awareness campaign on how to access the Council’s services.
THE NIGERIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION
The Commission received a total of 34 bills and legal instruments, among which are:
i. A Bill for An Act to Prohibit Electronic Fraud in All Electronic Transactions in Nigeria and for related matters, 2010 ii. A Bill for An Act to Prohibit Kidnapping, Hostage-Taking, Prescribe Punishment for its contravention and other related matters
THE NIGERIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION iii. Terrorism (Prevention) Bill, 2011 iv. Motion on the Plight of Persons Awaiting Trial in Nigeria Prisons, 2012 v. The Tertiary Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2012 vi.
The Kidnapping and (Prohibition) Bill, 2011
Hostage
Taking
THE NIGERIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION vii. A Bill for An Act to Amend the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 viii. A Bill for An Act to Amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 ix. The Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act (Amendment) Bill, 2012 x. The Criminal Code Act ( Amendment) Bill, 2012 xi. The Cyber Security Bill, 2012
NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS (NAPTIP)
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has continued to record remarkable achievements as it discharges its mandate in line with the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC).
NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS (NAPTIP)
Current efforts at tackling Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Child Labour include: Developing of a communication strategy aimed at strategic public enlightenment initiatives; Production of story books for children on human trafficking;
NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS (NAPTIP)
Liaison with National Education Research Development Council to integrate human trafficking into the educational curriculum of Nigerian schools; Launching of the “I AM PRICELESS” campaign in collaboration with UNODC in the framework of the EU-sponsored 10th EDF project;
NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS (NAPTIP)
Stakeholders’ meetings and community dialogues in six project states
TABLE Q: SUMMARY OF CONVICTIONS: 20112013 S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
ABUJA LAGOS KANO UYO BENIN SOKOTO ENUGU MAIDUGURI TOTAL
2011 1 8 9 22 6 4 50
2012 9 4 4 2 1 1 2 23
2013 1 3 9 2 15
TOTAL 2 20 22 4 24 9 1 6 88
TABLE R: Summary of Activities NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING CASES REPORTED
NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING CASES INVESTIGATED
982
982
NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING CASES SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 23
NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING VICTIMS RESCUED
NUMBER OF VICTIMS REHABILITATE D
179
179
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES (NIALS)
The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies is Nigeria’s foremost institution for legal research and advanced studies in law and related disciplines. As the primary source of information, training, research and advice on legal matters in Nigeria, the Institute published 37 books during this period, and held several training programmes on different aspects of the Law.
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES (NIALS)
Student’s enrolment for this period comprises 10 (LLM), 3 (Diploma), 8 (PhD) for 2010/2011; 9 (LLM), 8 (Diploma), 7 (PhD) for 2011/2012, and 14 (LLM), 11 (Diploma), 5 (PhD) for 2012/2013.
The research achievements of the Institute are presented in the tables below.
TABLE S: RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010 - 2013 S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
PROJECT NIALS Annotation on Banking Statutes NIALS Annotation on Matrimonial Causes Restatement of Customary Laws Electoral Act Annotation NIALS Annual Survey of Laws
DURATION 2010 Completed 2010
Completed
2010-2013
Completed
2010-2013 2013
Ongoing Completed
TABLE S: RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010 - 2013 6.
Traditional Administartion of Justice
7.
CAMA Annotation
8.
NIALS Dictionary Customary Law
9.
Evidence Annotation
10.
The Effect of Cost on the 2013 Judicial System
2012-2013
of 2012
2011- 2013
Ongoing
Completed
Ongoing Ongoing
TABLE S: RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010 - 2013 11. 12.
13.
Review of Yobe State Laws Traditional Administration of Justice in Nigeria Nigeria’s Judicial Performance Evaluation 2008-2011
2013 (9months) 2012- 2013
Ongoing Completed
(9 months) 2012
Completed
TABLE T: STUDENT ENROLMENT INTO THE AKINOLA AGUDA POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL FROM 2011 - 2013 YEAR LL.M 2011/2012 9 2012/2013 14 Total 23
DIPLOMA 8 11 19
Ph.D TOTAL 7 5 12 54
TABLE U: INSTITUTE COURSES/WORKSHOPS: 2011 – June 2013 S/N
2011
2012 27th Course in Training Workshop Drafting Commercial on Nuclear, Law and Agreement and Regulation; Banking Documentation; February, 2011 March 2012 Drafting Commercial Agreement & Training Course for Public Prosecutors; Banking Documentation; April 2012 Mar/April, 2011 Training Course on Training Course for Legislative Strategic Public Prosecutors; Planning and Management; April, 2011 May 2012
2013 Specialized Judicial Track Training Programme; January2013
NIALS training Workshop on Restatement of Customary Law; February 2013
Nuclear Law; February 2013
TABLE U: INSTITUTE COURSES/WORKSHOPS: 2011 – June 2013 International Training Course on Legal Writing Skills Digital Forensic for Layers; Advocacy; May 2012 April, 2011 African Regional Training Course of Course for Government Legal Writing Skills Legal Advisers/ Law for Lawyers; Officers; May, 2011 May 2012 International Government Legal Conference on Oil and Advisers/Law Gas Contract and Officers Course; Dispute Resolution; May/June, 2011 May 2012
27th Course in Drafting Commercial Agreement and Banking Documentation; February/March 2013
Training Course for Public Prosecutors; March 2013
NIALS/Nigerian Navy Training Course on Military Law; March 2013
TABLE U: INSTITUTE COURSES/WORKSHOPS: 2011 – June 2013 32nd National Advanced Course in Practice and Procedure;
November Specialised Trailor-made for State Counsels in the Federal Ministry of Justice; December 2012
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 S/NO 2011 2012 1. NIALS Journal of The Supreme Court Environmental Law; of Nigeria: 1990;Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbonhun 2012 Epiphany Azinge & PHD (2011) Prof Paul Idornigie 2012
2013 Legal Regime of Free Trade Zone; Prof. Epiphany Azinge& StellaMaris Omo 2013
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 2.
New frontiers Lecture: The Future of Administrative Law and Good Governance in Nigeria; Prof. Lorne Sossin (2011
Legal Pluralism in Africa: A compendium on African Customary Law
Prof. Epiphany Azinge& Prof Animi Awah 2012
State of Emergency in Nigeria: Law and Politics ; Prof. Epiphany Azinge 2013
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 3.
Administration of Justice and Good Governance in Nigeria; Prof. Epiphany Azinge and Prof. D. Adekunle (2011)
Fundamentals of Legislative Drafting Prof Epiphany Azinge& Vivian Madu 2012
Legislating For Good Governance Prof Epiphany Azinge&Adej okeAdediran 2013
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 4
NIALS Journal Of Nigeria’s Legislative Supreme Court Review Process ;Prof. Epiphany Azinge Prof Epiphany (2011) Azinge& Suzie Ofunai 2012
5
The Lawyer That We Should Be: Time to provide the legal profession in Nigeria Oba Nsugbe, QC, SAN FRSA (2011)
Code of Good Governance Prof Epiphany Azinge&AdejokeAde diran 2013
Drafting Legislation in Freedom of Protest Nigeria: Constitutional Prof Epiphany Imperatives Azinge& Lillian Uche 2013 Prof Epiphany Azinge&NgoziNdombana 2012
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 6.
Nigerian major Land Reform and Adaptive Strategies of Harnessing its Social
Political Financing NIALS Dictionary and Expenditure of African Ceiling for 2011 Customary Law Election Prof Epiphany Justice Objectives. Hon. Prof Epiphany Azinge & Oluchi Justice I. A. Umezulike Azinge Nwakaego 2013 (2011) 2012
7.
State of the Federation Lecture: “To Have and to Have Not”: Corruption, Social Justice and Transformation in Contemporary Nigeria. Humphrey Assisi Asobie (2011)
Plea Bargain Nigeria: Law Practice Prof Azinge& 2012
in Nigeria: A Century and of Constitutional Evolution 1914 – 2014 Prof Epiphany Epiphany Azinge 2013 Laura Ani
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 8
9
Proceeds of crime in Nigeria: Getting our ‘Act’ Right Adedeji Adekunle (2011)
Competition Law and Policy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Judicial Performance Evaluation 2008 2011 Vol 4.
State of the Legal profession in Nigeria Akinlolu Olujinmi (2011)
Freedom of Legislative Information Law and Drafting and Regulation in Nigeria Transformative Laws Prof Epiphany Azinge & Dr. Fatima Prof Epiphany WaziriAzi 2012 Azinge&AdejokeAd ediran 2013
Prof. Epiphany Azinge& Laura Ani 2012 Prof Epiphany Azinge 2013
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 10
11
The Right of Life under the Nigerian Constitution; the Law, the courts and the Reality Prof. J. Nnamdi Aduba (2011)
Book of Communiques 2012
Law of Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Prof Epiphany Azinge 2012
Prof Epiphany Azinge & Lillian Uche 2013
NIALS Laws of Nigeria (Annotated) Matrimonial Causes Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN (2011)
Deregulation Law, Economics and Politics Prof Epiphany Azinge& Prof Bolaji Owasanoye 2012
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 12
NIALS Laws of Nigeria Principles of (Annotated) Banking Negotiation and statutes Prof. Epiphany Mediation Azinge SAN (2011) Prof. Epiphany Azinge & Dr .Chinyere Ani 2012
13
NIALS Journal of Law and Judicial Reform and Development Prof. E. Azinge, Transformation Agenda Prof. N. Aduba Prof Epiphany Azinge& Prof. M. Ikhiariale, Prof. A. Prof Dakas CJ Dakas Atsenuwa, Prof. D. Poopula 2012 (2011)
14
Law and Security in Nigeria NIALS Journal of Prof. E. Azinge, Fati Bello Environmental Law Vol (2011) 1&2 Prof 2012
Lanre
Fagbohun
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 15
Rights of Persons with NALS Journal on Disabilities Prof. E. Azinge Health Law and and Dr.ChinyereAni (2011) Policy Prof Epiphany Azinge & Dr. NkoliAniekwu 2012
16
17
NIALS Journal of Criminal Law and Justice Prof Epiphany Azinge 2011
NIALS Journal on Law and Public Policy Prof Epiphany Azinge & Dr. AdebisiArewa 2012 NIALS Journal on Business Law Prof. Epiphany Azinge& Prof Paul Idornigie 2012
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 18
NIALS Journal of Law and Development Prof Epiphany Azinge 2012
19
NIALS International Journal on Legislative Drafting Prof Epiphany Azinge 2012
20
NIALS Journal Maritime Law
of
Prof Epiphany Azinge 2012
TABLE V: INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS: 2011 – JUNE 2013 21
Cabotage Law Prof Epiphany Azinge &OsatoEruaga 2012
22
Justice, Security and Women’s Helath: A Global Perspective Prof SussaneKarstedt 2012
COUNCIL FOR LEGAL EDUCATION (NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL)
Two new campuses came on board the Nigeria Law School during this period, and are located in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State, and Yola, Adamawa State. They are expected to take in 1, 500 students each from the 2013/2014 academic session, leading to an increase in the overall intake of students by the School to 8,000. With this development, the School can absorb all graduating students from approved Law faculties.
COUNCIL FOR LEGAL EDUCATION (NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL) The School has undertaken a number of projects geared towards providing conducive environment for students. These projects include: Water treatment and reticulation in Enugu Campus; Drilling of borehole and reticulation of plumbing fixtures in Kano Campus; Provision of Library books and periodicals in Yenagoa and Yola campuses.
COUNCIL FOR LEGAL EDUCATION (NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL)
The Council has constituted a committee to review the LL.B curriculum in faculties of Law in Nigeria to meet the current needs of the country. It has also cleared a backlog of close to 10,000 students, which arose from over-admission by some universities. In all, 4,532 lawyers were called to Bar in 2011/2012.
NIGERIAN COPYRIGHT COMMISSION
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) established in August 1989, has continued to carry out its statutory mandate of administering, protecting, promoting, enforcing and regulating copyright in Nigeria.
Summary of Proactive Enforcement Interventions
The Commission has in the course of its proactive enforcement and prosecutorial interventions, recorded the following achievements꞉
Summary of Proactive Enforcement Interventions Total number of covert anti-piracy surveillance- 150 Total number of antipiracy raids Total number of suspected pirates arrested
- 117 -
267
Total number of units of assorted pirated - 4,561,813 copyright works seized
Summary of Proactive Enforcement Interventions Estimated market value of pirated works seized -N4,806,744,500 Total number of pirated works destroyed - 722 million Estimated market value of destroyed works - N6.5billion Total number of containers of pirated works seized -16
Summary of Proactive Enforcement Interventions  Drastic reduction in the level of piracy, resulting in about 50% increase in the profit margin of certain genuine investors in the copyright-based industries, creation of employment and boost in tax earning of government from the industry practitioners
 Favourable perception of Nigeria in the global fight against copyright piracy.
TABLE W: CONVICTIONS BY THE COMMISSION FROM 2011 - 2013
2011
3
2012
26
2013
11
Total
40
Note ꞉ About 25% of the convictions were prison sentences without the option of fine. Promoting copyright knowledge Trained 50 legal practitioners on copyright practice Trained 60 members of the press on the basics of copyright Conducted copyright sensitization workshop for 800 secondary school students in Abuja.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I would like to express my Ministry’s gratitude to His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, for the immeasurable support and encouragement we have received. Let me also seize this opportunity to also appreciate the vital role of the media in publicizing the activities of the Ministry and its parastatals.
This has continued to raise public awareness of the concept and practice of the Rule of Law and all its precepts, as well as the role of the Ministry of Justice in ensuring that government and the entire citizenry respect and observe the Rule of Law.
I thank you for your kind attention.