The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) was recently celebrated for its ground breaking work in advancing access to justice and promoting clinical legal education in Nasarawa State and beyond. The recognition came during a seminar organised by the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) Law Clinic on October 14, 2024.
The seminar, titled “Assessing the Potency of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System,” brought together legal professionals, scholars, and students to explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a tool for reducing pretrial detentions and addressing overcrowding in detention centres across Nigeria. A key point of the discussion was the potential of ADR mechanisms and non-custodial solutions in transforming Nigeria’s criminal justice system, where delays in trial often lead to prolonged pretrial detention.
PPDC’s work in this area, particularly through the Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria (RPDN) Phase II project, was highlighted during the event. Supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the RPDN project empowers law clinics, including NSUK’s Law Clinic, to provide pro bono legal services to indigent inmates. These services are critical in helping individuals navigate the legal system and avoid unnecessary detention. The seminar served as a platform to discuss how such initiatives can be expanded, with PPDC playing a central role in pushing these reforms forward.
During the seminar, PPDC received an award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to access to justice and the promotion of clinical legal education. Rilwan Suleiman, Esq., NSUK Law Clinic Coordinator, praised PPDC’s efforts, saying, “We present this award of appreciation to the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) in recognition of its immense contribution to the advancement of access to justice and promotion of clinical legal education in Nasarawa State and Nigeria.”
The award was received by Joshua Uba, Nasarawa State Program Manager at PPDC, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization. In his remarks, Uba reaffirmed PPDC’s dedication to driving legal reforms that will enhance access to justice across Nigeria, especially in regions where pretrial detention is an urgent issue. He also highlighted the continued collaboration between PPDC and NSUK Law Clinic in advocating for reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.
This latest recognition underscores PPDC’s role as a leader in the legal reform space, particularly in addressing the systemic challenges faced by pretrial detainees. By working closely with law clinics and other stakeholders, PPDC is ensuring that marginalised populations have access to legal representation and that viable alternatives to detention, such as ADR, are considered and implemented.
The seminar marks another milestone in PPDC’s mission to transform Nigeria’s criminal justice system. With projects like RPDN, the organisation is improving access to justice for indigent inmates and laying the groundwork for broader legal reforms that promote fairness and efficiency within the justice system. Through these efforts, PPDC continues to be a catalyst for change, championing the rights of pretrial detainees and advocating for a justice system that serves all Nigerians.
