Tension Brews As US Questions Nigeria’s Security And Justice System – Presidency Responds

The United States government has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s security and justice systems, pointing to cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and prolonged pre-trial delays.

In its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, the US highlighted persistent flaws in Nigeria’s judiciary and labour structures, including corruption, political interference, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Citing Amnesty International, the report noted that the whereabouts of “dozens of young men detained at SARS Awkuzu,” a notorious police station in Anambra State disbanded in 2020, remain unknown. It further observed that security agencies frequently violated legal safeguards by carrying out arrests without warrants and failing to present suspects before a magistrate within the constitutionally mandated 48 hours.

Other key findings included:

• Bail processes often arbitrary and inconsistent.

• Some suspects held incommunicado or indefinitely.

• Corruption and negligence compounding trial backlogs.

• Detainees languishing in prison because case files were misplaced or there were no vehicles to transport them to court.

On the justice system, the US report underscored that political interference, shortage of judges, and excessive bureaucracy had left courts overwhelmed. In many cases, suspects were held in pre-trial detention for longer than the maximum sentences attached to their alleged crimes.

Turning to Nigeria’s economic situation, the report stressed that the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage had already lost value due to the naira’s depreciation. At an exchange rate above ₦1,500 to the dollar, the wage translated to just $47.90 per month.

Other issues flagged include:

• Firms with fewer than 25 employees exempted from paying the minimum wage.

• Several states refusing to implement the new law, citing financial constraints.

• Between 70–80% of Nigerian workers trapped in the informal sector, where wage and safety laws remain unenforced.

• Lack of clarity on overtime or premium pay, with minimal penalties for labour violations.

The report also highlighted the persistence of child marriage. Although federal law pegs the legal age at 18, many states—particularly in the North—do not enforce it. Thirty-five states, except Zamfara, have adopted the law, but some still allow girls as young as 11 to marry under customary or religious statutes. The government, however, has been engaging religious leaders, emirs, and sultans to curb early marriage due to its damaging health and social consequences.

Presidency Dismisses Concerns

Responding late Tuesday, the Presidency rejected the US concerns, insisting that Nigeria’s judicial and security institutions are undergoing reforms and recording progress.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, the Presidency said efforts to address prolonged pre-trial periods and other judicial challenges were already underway.

Dare added that security agencies were working in greater coordination, with recent victories recorded against terrorists. He noted:

“The US, through its Nigerian Mission, only recently praised the Tinubu government and Nigerian security forces for the arrest of two leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group. That is a validation of the progress being made to address the nation’s security situation internally and externally.”

On judicial reforms, he stressed that “the national summit on justice, launched by President Tinubu last year, is part of ongoing initiatives to improve the justice delivery system.”

The Presidency also downplayed concerns over the economy, insisting that macroeconomic indicators were beginning to show signs of recovery.

“The naira has stabilised, and the economy is undergoing recalibration. Positive numbers are emerging, and the currency will continue to strengthen over time,” Dare said.