The AGF lamented that inadequate budgetary allocations and delays in fund releases undermine justice sector reforms
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has raised concerns over persistent inadequate funding allocation and delays in the release of appropriated funds, describing them as major obstacles to effective justice sector reforms.
Fagbemi spoke on Wednesday while presenting the 2026 budget proposal of the Federal Ministry of Justice before the House of Representatives Committee on Justice in Abuja.
He said the Ministry’s programmes and interventions are driven by the objectives of the National Policy on Justice 2024 and its Strategic Plan 2023–2027, which align with the justice sector roadmap under the renewed hope agenda of the current administration.
However, he noted that inadequate budgetary allocations and delays in fund releases have continued to undermine the ministry’s ability to execute critical projects and deliver essential services.
Despite the challenges, the minister highlighted notable achievements, including reforms in criminal justice administration, strengthened counter-terrorism measures, progress toward Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, as well as improvements in asset recovery and financial management.
On budget performance, Fagbemi disclosed that the ministry received N6.67 billion out of the N7.49 billion appropriated for overhead costs over a ten-month period, translating to an 82 per cent performance.
In contrast, he said only N869.63 million was warranted out of a total capital allocation of N6.74 billion, representing just 12 per cent performance. He added that the capital warrant was not cash-backed, effectively stalling project execution.
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The Attorney-General further revealed that the ministry received no funding for its 2025 capital projects, stressing that the funding challenges cut across several government institutions and are not peculiar to the justice sector.
Looking ahead, Fagbemi said the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal stands at N23.68 billion, covering personnel, overhead and capital expenditures.
Responding, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba, assured that the committee would closely scrutinise the ministry’s budget estimates and those of its agencies to ensure that justice sector reforms are not stalled by funding gaps.
He also pledged robust oversight of approved funds to promote accountability and efficient utilisation.
