Non-Release of Funds, Inadequate Allocations Undermine Justice Sector Reforms, Fagbemi Tells Reps

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has lamented that, non-release and inadequate allocation of funds is undermining the justice sector reforms of the Federal Government.

He stated this during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Justice before the House of Representatives Committee on Justice.

He added that, delays in the release of the appropriated funds was inadequate and have significantly constrained the Ministry’s capacity to execute critical projects and deliver services to Nigerians.

According to him, the Ministry’s mandate and engagements are anchored on achieving the goals and initiatives outlined in the National Policy on Justice 2024 and its Strategic Plan 2023–2027.

Fagbemi added that, the objectives also aligned with the justice sector roadmap under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The minister highlighted key milestones recorded despite the funding challenges which include; reforms in criminal justice administration; counter-terrorism efforts; progress towards exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as well as asset recoveries and financial management.

While giving a breakdown of the 2025 budget performance, he said, the Ministry received a warrant of N6,675,702,827.32 out of N7,499,524,027 appropriated for overhead costs over a ten-month period, representing 82% performance.

He said the Ministry was issued N869,630,896.30 out of a total capital allocation of N6,749,616,425 which represents 12% performance. He further noted that the 12% capital warrant was not cash-backed which stalled project implementation.

He however that the Ministry received no funding for its 2025 capital projects.

Fagbemi further informed the Committee that the Ministry has earmarked N23,680,142,209.50, covering personnel, overhead and capital expenditures for the 2026 fiscal year.

In his remark after the presentation, the Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Hon. Olumide Osoba, assured that the Committee would thoroughly scrutinise the Ministry’s budget estimates and its agencies to ensure that the justice sector reforms are not adversely affected by inadequate funding.

He also promised that the Committee would carry out effective oversight over funds approved in the Ministry’s annual budgets to guarantee accountability and optimal utilisation.