By The Taraba State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law Empowerment Initiative and Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), has organised a two-day training workshop for justice sector stakeholders on the implementation of plea bargain guidelines in the state.
The workshop, held in Jalingo was supported by the MacArthur Foundation and aimed at strengthening justice delivery through the effective application of plea bargaining.
Declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Taraba State, Mr Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN), said the initiative was designed to enhance the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
Represented by the Acting Solicitor General, Mr Sunday Maikarfi, Maikasuwa noted that although the implementation of plea bargaining had already commenced in the state, there was a need to further equip stakeholders with the necessary capacity to ensure effective and ethical application of the guidelines.
He expressed appreciation to PWAN and the MacArthur Foundation for their collaboration and continued support toward building the capacity of criminal justice actors in the state.
In her remarks, the Programme Officer of PWAN, Mrs Rebecca Balami, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing citizen participation, improving security governance, and strengthening protection systems across Nigeria and West Africa.
She explained that PWAN’s work focuses on communities affected by insecurity, poor governance, and human rights violations, requiring interventions that safeguard lives, dignity, and access to justice.
“Our approach integrates humanitarian sensitivity, ensuring that reforms and security governance efforts address the needs of vulnerable populations,” she said.
Balami also commended stakeholders for their constructive inputs during the review of the draft plea bargain guidelines developed last year by the Rule of Law Empowerment Initiative with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
“Your engagement has not only strengthened the quality of the guidelines but also demonstrated institutional commitment to justice sector reforms and accountability in promoting fair and efficient criminal justice administration in Taraba,” she added.
She described the workshop as a vital platform to deepen understanding of the guidelines, align them with practical application, and ensure that all relevant stakeholders are adequately prepared for effective implementation.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, said that when properly applied, plea bargaining would enhance judicial efficiency, reduce delays, promote restitution, and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
“This workshop represents a significant step toward strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Taraba State through the effective use of plea bargaining as a lawful, transparent, and efficient tool for case management and justice delivery,” Agya said.
He commended the organisers for initiating the capacity-building engagement and stressed that continuous training and stakeholder collaboration were essential to translating policies and guidelines into meaningful practice.
Justice Agya reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to reforms that uphold the rule of law, protect rights, and improve the quality of justice delivery in the state.
The training attracted key stakeholders from across the criminal justice system, including representatives of the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the National Human Rights Commission.
