House of Justice summit calls for security reforms, justice and national unity

Kaduna

A summit in Nigeria’s North West State of Kaduna called for sweeping security reforms, justice and national unity to address the country’s multiple security challenges.

The 9th House of Justice Summit and Golden Ball Banquet brought together experts, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

“We need a multidisciplinary approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria,” said Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a keynote speaker at the summit. “This includes cooperation with neighboring countries, transparent recruitment processes for security agents and accountability in the justice system.”

The summit’s communique called on the Nigerian government to prioritize security and welfare, in line with the country’s constitution. It also emphasized the need for civic education, advocacy for national ethics and principles and community-based initiatives to promote security and justice.

Nigeria has been grappling with multiple security challenges, including a decade-long insurgency by Boko Haram in the northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the northwest and separatist movements in the southeast.

The summit’s recommendations included the establishment of trauma response centers and psycho-social healing programs for victims of mass atrocities. It also called for greater emphasis on programs for victims rather than perpetrators.

Participants at the summit also emphasized the need for judicial reforms, timely justice delivery and accountability in the justice system. They noted that the justice system in Nigeria is yet to be systematic, with many challenges facing its delivery.

The event was hosted by the House of Justice, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting justice, security and national re-orientation. The summit was attended by over 200 participants, including experts, policymakers and stakeholders from across Nigeria.

Other speakers at the summit included Professor Chris Kwaja, Hon. Sarah Reng Ochekpe and Dr. Mike Omeri. The summit’s discussions were moderated by Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq., the convener of the summit.

The summit’s communique also called on the Nigerian government to ensure that security and welfare are prioritized, in line with Section 14 2 (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The communique further emphasized the need for national re-orientation, including civic education and advocacy for national ethics and principles. It also called for community-based initiatives to promote security and justice.

The next summit is scheduled to take place on November 28, 2025.

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