The Inaugural Meeting of the Project Technical Committee for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II) convened on Thursday, 1st February 2024, at the Treasure Suites and Conferences in Abuja. This milestone event was attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, the European Union, heads of boundary partner agencies, CSO representatives and International IDEA.
The Project Technical Committee is one of the governance and oversight structures of the RoLAC Programme. It is responsible for reviewing progress of implementation and advice on the management of upcoming activities. It is made up of key partners at the federal level, CSOs, and representatives from the focal states.
The meeting was chaired by the Solicitor General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented by Mrs. Victoria Ojogbane, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Justice. She delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Solicitor General and emphasised the programme’s significance in national development and highlighted some of the relevant milestones achieved in the RoLAC Phase 1 project as cause for all partners to continue their steadfast support towards the success of Phase II.
“I express my gratitude to the funding partner, the European Union, for aligning its objectives with supporting and strengthening the Rule of law, the fight against corruption, the reduction of gender-based violence, and promoting respect for human rights and inclusivity for all Nigerians. I acknowledge the success of the RoLAC Phase I Programme, which has yielded commendable outcomes across the Nigerian justice sector. I appreciate the Programme's implementing partners, notably the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, for their vision and dedication to improving Governance and Service Delivery in the Justice Sector.” - Mrs. Victoria Ojogbane, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Additional remarks from the European Union representative, Ms Laolu Olawumi and the Head of Programmes International IDEA, represented by Mr Emmanuel Uche, underscored the importance of a collaborative approach in tackling corruption and upholding the rule of law.
There was a Presentation of the Year 1 Progress Report by each of the three component managers of the RoLAC programme. The report detailed achievements, challenges and lessons learned during RoLAC II's inaugural year. Recommendations were also made to bridge the existing gaps.
The Draft Year 2 Annual Workplan was presented to boundary partners for review and validation. Validation of the Workplan followed immediately, which marked a critical step toward programme implementation for year two. A total of 145 activities were presented for the year, which was welcomed by all stakeholders. Some of the significant activities include support to automate selected pilot courts to increase efficiency; training/mentoring for designated judges, prosecutors and investigators on handling SGBV cases; and development of SOPs/regulations for the operationalisation of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The success of this inaugural meeting of the Project Technical Committee serves as a testament to the dedication of all involved parties, will pave the way for a productive and impactful relationship between implementing and beneficiary partners in the pursuit of a more just and corruption-free society and laying a solid foundation for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme in 2024.
