Conference to focus on judicial reforms, technology, fundamental rights
By Christopher Ameh, Abuja
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) will convene a two-day Access to Justice Conference in Abuja from November 3 to 4, 2026, to promote judicial reforms, strengthen the protection of fundamental human rights and explore how technology can improve justice delivery in Nigeria.
The conference, scheduled for the Los Angeles Event Centre, Mabushi, Abuja, will bring together judges, legal practitioners, civil society organisations, technology innovators and members of the public to discuss challenges confronting the country’s justice system.
It will be held under the theme, “Balancing Security with Fundamental Rights: Terrorism, Technology and Access to Justice.”
The Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Lucy James Abagi, said the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to explore solutions to challenges in justice delivery while ensuring that national security measures did not undermine citizens’ fundamental rights.
The event will combine the Access to Justice Parley with the Law for Humanity Summit, bringing together judicial officers, legal experts and other stakeholders to deliberate on reforms to improve the administration of justice.
According to the organisers, PPDC’s interventions in the justice sector provided free legal representation to 20,009 detainees and facilitated the release of 8,552 people from detention without trial in 2025.
The conference is expected to examine strategies for reducing delays in court proceedings, improving pre-trial processes and expanding the use of digital technologies to make justice more accessible and efficient.
The Access to Justice Parley will begin with a Judges Parley featuring a keynote address, a fireside chat on judicial leadership and the launch of a Justice Sector Assessment Report.
The session will also feature practical training for judges and court information and communications technology teams on JUDIC AI and Docketmaster.
Participants will also be presented with PPDC’s Court Administration and Case Management Roadmap, alongside the organisation’s targets for 2027.
The Law for Humanity Summit, organised in partnership with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, will focus on the question, “Can Technology Bridge the Access to Justice Gap in Nigeria?”
The summit will feature a Law Clinic Showcase and the award of innovation seed grants of up to $1,500 to outstanding university law clinic projects.
Another major highlight will be the Access to Justice Town Hall, which will provide citizens with an opportunity to engage directly with judicial officers and law enforcement agencies on issues affecting access to justice and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Participants will also discuss national security and digital privacy during panel sessions, while former detainees will share their experiences to highlight the human impact of detention without trial.
The programme will further feature creative performances and the presentation of PPDC’s Access to Justice Impact Report, documenting the organisation’s interventions and their outcomes.
The conference will conclude with an Access to Justice Gala and Fund Launch aimed at mobilising resources to support initiatives promoting access to justice across the country.
Interested participants can register through the conference registration pages on PPDC’s official website.
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