To strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the Public and Private Development Centre’s Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project, supported by the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), represents a significant effort to enhance Nigeria’s criminal justice administration. The project focuses on improving capacity, efficiency, and accountability within the Nigerian courts, with key objectives including enhanced case management, evidence control, scheduling systems, and overall court administration processes.
In 2023, upon assessment of the select courts in the 3 pilot states, Nasarawa Plateau and Kaduna, our findings revealed significant challenges plaguing the judicial system. Judges grappled with the daunting task of writing judgments, taking notes, and simultaneously observing litigants’ body language. This multitasking burden resulted in delayed judgments, exacerbating an already overburdened system. Concurrently, correctional officers faced logistical hurdles in transporting inmates from correctional centers to courts. Weather conditions, transportation costs, and security risks compounded the difficulties, further impeding the legal process. Additionally, inadequate case and evidence management practices led to disorganized and unsupervised case files, hindering effective tracking and monitoring of case progress.
Another key challenge we saw was the lack of secure facilities in magistrate courts for typing and printing confidential court proceedings, which posed significant security and confidentiality risks. Clerical activities conducted in external business centers outside court premises increased the likelihood of leaked court judgments before official pronouncements.
During our recent visit to our stakeholders in Nasarawa State, we visited all of the project’s interventions to assess their impact and ensure their sustainability. One of the project’s pivotal interventions is the deployment of speech-to-text facilities in select courtrooms in Nasarawa State. Recognizing the challenge faced by judges in simultaneously writing judgments and observing litigants’ body language, the introduction of the speech-to-text facility accelerates court proceedings, eliminates manual transcription delays, and enhances transparency. This initiative not only streamlines administrative tasks but also fosters a swift dispensation of justice.
PPDC and INL team with the Comptroller of Corrections, Nasarawa state
PPDC and INL team with the Attorney General, Nasarawa state
PPDC and INL team with the Chief Justice Nasarawa state
“We are not taking the interventions for granted, as they have aided our work in the courtroom, and we are committed to ensuring the expansion and sustainability of the speech-to-text and virtual courts.” -Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Honourable Justice Aisha Bashir
The implementation of virtual courts in custodial centers has addressed significant logistical challenges faced by correctional officers. By enabling remote hearings, this innovative solution reduces the need for physically transporting individuals in custody to courtrooms, saving time and resources and minimizing security risks.
A virtual court hearing from the Nasarawa State Custodial Center
I had a case that was heard virtually from the custodial center, and it was like a dream come true. To be able to use such technology will improve the justice sector in Nasarawa State.” – Honourable Justice Simon Aboki
The project also addresses the critical issue of case file arrangement and management. By meticulously sorting, indexing, and cataloging criminal case files in the High Court across pilot states, the initiative enhances the reliability and security of legal documentation. Standardized case-filing units not only ensure easy retrieval but also significantly reduce the risk of loss or damage, thereby improving overall case management efficiency.
We had the issue of unsecured case files; however, with the intervention, case files are sorted and kept in secure racks for easy retrieval – Nicholas Abunduga, chief state counsel, Ministry of Justice, Nasarawa State.
Case files before and after PPDC’s intervention
Additionally, establishing a magistrate secretarial pool equipped with essential facilities for typing and printing confidential court proceedings addresses security and confidentiality concerns. This initiative not only enhances the secure handling of sensitive court documents but also provides a source of revenue for magistrate courts. It signifies a significant step towards ensuring a more robust and confidential judicial process.
The commendable support and adoption of the project by the good people and various government arms of Nasarawa State highlight a commitment to sustainability. Provisions for the maintenance of deployed facilities in subsequent budgets and the provision of subscriptions for virtual hearings and SMS messaging in the 2024 budget underscore a proactive approach toward ensuring the long-term success and impact of these transformative interventions. Additionally, the invitation extended to PPDC to join the ACMC committee further emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, paving the way for continued innovation and improvement in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Before PPDC’s intervention, lawyers were hesitant to handle cases; however, with the implementation of the Case Management System, case files are uploaded and notifications are sent. The AG can see when a case’s limit has elapsed. This has resulted in a stronger synergy between the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary. Nicholas Abunduga, chief state counsel, Ministry of Justice, Nasarawa State.
The Public and Private Development Centre is committed through its Access to Justice program to ensure speedy dispensation of justice across our pilot states. The Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project, is paving the way for Nigeria’s criminal justice system to become more efficient, transparent, and equitable by addressing systemic issues and leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
In a heartening move towards fostering transparency and collaboration in public procurement, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) recently sealed a partnership with the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) during the association’s Maiden Annual Executive Council Meeting which was held on Friday 8th of February 2024.
The Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) is a professional body committed to enhancing the standards and practices of public procurement in Nigeria and through this partnership, the Public and Private Development Centre will broaden its influence in the public procurement sector, leveraging the vast network and expertise of APPON’s members in different government agencies. This collaboration enhances PPDC’s mission to advocate for transparency, accountability, and best practices in procurement governance. By facilitating knowledge sharing and civic participation, PPDC strengthens its role as a thought leader in Nigeria’s procurement landscape.
Jubril Shittu, the Chief Executive Officer of PPDC expressed that the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has been dedicated to public procurement for over 17 years and envisions itself continuing this commitment for at least the next 20 years. He said, “We will continue to work in this area, it is something we are passionate about and something we are heavily invested in and we look forward to continuing collaboration with APPON in this regard.”
Sadiq Sambo, PPDC’s software developer introduces the e-portal contacting platform BUDESHI to APPON members
The collaboration was not just about paperwork; it also involved enlightening sessions on critical topics such as Gender Responsive Procurement and Technology for Transparency and Accountability. Precious Adigwe, PPDC’s Gender Mainstreaming & Inclusion Officer, shared insights into supporting women-owned businesses in procurement processes. Sadiq Sambo, PPDC’s software developer, introduced BUDESHI, PPDC’s innovative e-portal promoting openness in contracting processes.
Mr. Emem Kanico, the President of the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON), highlighted that with this knowledge of Gender Responsive Procurement and Technology for Transparency, they are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation.
L-R Ife Olatunji David Senior Program Manager, Governance PPDC, Jubril Shittu CEO PPDC, Emem KanicoPresident APPON, Nura Sani Secretary General APPON
PPDC CEO Jubril Shittu and APPON President Emem Kanico MOU signing ceremony, solidifying a meaningful partnership.
This joint effort represents a shared vision to create a procurement landscape marked by best practices and ethical standards. The partnership with APPON is a positive step towards reshaping public procurement practices in Nigeria. With the sustained commitment of PPDC and the collaborative spirit of key stakeholders, a brighter and more transparent procurement future is on the horizon.
The internet is a big global village that connects us all and brings many benefits, like making money, connecting with friends, and more. But, just like any job, staying safe online is essential. As it has been our custom since 2015, on February 6, 2024, PPDC celebrated Safer Internet Day (SID) to promote safe and responsible Internet use, especially among young users.
This year, the Safer Internet Day was marked at Junior Secondary School Durumi, Abuja. The theme for this year was “Together for a Better Internet” highlighting the importance of working together to make the Internet safe, so we talked to students about common practices that expose online users to security risks, safety measures, and also netiquette (internet ethics).
The in-depth conversations covered; how to be a responsible netizen by treating others online with respect, thinking before they post, and reporting any instances of cyberbullying or harmful content. The students were also encouraged not to believe everything they saw online. They were finally encouraged to empower others by sharing their knowledge about online safety with friends and classmates, creating a network of responsible digital citizens.
The students enjoyed the interaction, played puzzles, and watched our short film ‘Feisty John,’ which gives tips on dealing with cyberbullies. Two of the students had this to say;
“I learnt more about what two-factor authentication is, what you can use it for, and its importance in social media accounts.” -Ogbonna Wisdom
“Today, I learned the importance of promoting cybersecurity rather than cyberbullying.” – Nufi Jessica
Check out some pictures from the event and remember, a better internet starts with YOU!
Enjoy!
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The present-day digital landscape is quite complex: while offering unparalleled connectivity and convenience, it simultaneously exposes individuals to heightened cybersecurity risks. Individuals increasingly navigate a digital landscape intertwined with their personal lives. As online activities overrule daily routines, concerns regarding data privacy and security escalate. This blog post examines the importance of data privacy, explores common online threats, and outlines best practices for safeguarding personal information in the digital realm.
What is Data Privacy and why is it important?
To understand the concept of data privacy, the distinction between data privacy and data protection has to be addressed. Cloudflare defines, “Data privacy as the ability of a person to determine when, how, and to what extent personal information about them is shared with or communicated to others. This personal information can be one’s name, location, contact information, or online or real-world behaviour.”
Data protection, on the other hand, is having legal control over access to and use of data stored in computers. While data privacy provides the opportunity for online users to manage how their data is used and shared, data protection provides the legal backing for when data is misused.
The 2024 Data Privacy Day theme, “Take Control of Your Data,” emphasizes the responsibility individuals hold in safeguarding their personal information. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that data protection laws and individual control exist within a complex ecosystem. While legal frameworks aim to ensure responsible data handling by organizations, absolute control remains difficult to achieve. The effectiveness of these laws can vary depending on jurisdiction, and enforcement mechanisms may have varying degrees of success. Additionally, the ever-evolving technological landscape continuously challenges the scope and reach of existing legal frameworks.
While recognizing the limitations of data protection laws as discussed above, it’s encouraging to see regulations like Section 28(1) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) taking proactive steps toward individual data control. It states that “data controllers are obligated to perform a data privacy impact assessment where processing personal data could potentially pose a substantial risk to the rights and freedoms of a data subject, taking into consideration the nature, scope, context, and purpose of the data.”
This section mandates data controllers to perform a data privacy impact assessment (DPIA) whenever processing personal data as it poses a high risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms. This requirement empowers individuals by shifting the responsibility onto data controllers. By requiring a DPIA, the law compels organizations to proactively evaluate potential privacy risks and implement necessary safeguards before processing data.
Data breaches, unfortunately, extend beyond the digital realm. Offline breaches can occur due to improper physical document disposal, and exposing sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, mishandling sensitive data, even within authorized access, can lead to unintentional disclosures. This highlights the multi-sided nature of data security and the need for vigilance across all areas.
Therefore, individual empowerment through responsible online behaviour and informed choices remains paramount. Understanding data collection practices, adjusting privacy settings, and employing robust security measures like strong passwords and multi-factor authentication are crucial steps individuals can take to mitigate risks and reclaim ownership of their data within the boundaries set by the legal landscape.
You can protect your data by using services with encryption features. Encryption entails putting a secret code on a message so that only those with the right “key” can understand or decipher the original content. It helps protect sensitive information, such as personal data, passwords, or financial details, by making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the proper decryption key.
Social messaging platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram use end-to-end encryption.
Multi-factor and Two-factor Authentication (2FA) are security processes that add an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. In simple terms, it requires two or more different types of identification before granting access to a system or account.
Something You Know (Password): The first factor is something you know, like your password. This is the standard way most systems authenticate users.
Something You Have (Authentication Code): The second factor is something you have, typically a temporary code sent to your mobile device or generated by an authentication app. You need this code in addition to your password to log in.
Something You Are (Features): This involves biometric factors like fingerprints, retinal scans, or facial recognition.
By requiring all factors, even if someone knows your password, they still need the second piece (the code from your phone, for example) to gain access. Multi-factor and Two-factor authentication significantly enhance the security of online accounts by making it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access your information.
Avoid using free Wi-Fi: When you are in a public place, avoid connecting your mobile phones or computers to public Wi-Fi. If you must, do not use it to make financial transactions or send messages that have personal/private details in them. Another mechanism you can adopt is to use VPNs. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow you to connect to the internet through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure.
With so much of our information online, oversharing on social media can be a contributor to getting hacked. While posting on social media, be sure to take into cognizance the specifics of the information (e.g. personal details like favourite color, favourite pet, or childhood home). All of these are pertinent information to hackers that can be used to create your identity and persona to aid their malicious activity.
Profile Trees’ 2023 Recent Statistics of the Most Common Attacks, states that Phishing attacks have increased by 130.5% since 2017, and they are still on the rise. Phishing is another means through which hackers and scammers attempt to gain unauthorized access to someone’s data. Phishing entails deceptive tactics aimed at tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or other confidential details.
You fall for a phishing scam when you open spam links on texts, emails, or links that lead to fake websites. To protect yourself from phishing attempts, avoid clicking on links or messages you don’t know who the sender is. Also, double-check the legitimacy of emails you’re unsure of before opening their attachments (e.g., Nigerian Prince emails proposing money to be claimed).
Conclusion
In today’s world, the digital landscape plays a significant role in our daily lives, taking control of your data is more than a safe choice. It’s a crucial responsibility. Implementing the practices outlined in this blog post, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and mindful online behavior, forms the foundation for individual cybersecurity and protection against potential threats.
However, individual vigilance alone cannot adequately address the challenges of the digital age. This is where organizations like the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) play a crucial role. PPDC’s commitment to good governance and individual empowerment fosters collective action and promotes responsible data practices through collaborative initiatives and targeted advocacy. By championing transparency, accountability, and robust legal frameworks, PPDC empowers individuals and organizations to navigate the online environment with greater confidence and security.
Remember, safeguarding your digital footprint is not just self-protection; it’s about contributing to a safer, more trustworthy online ecosystem for all. By adopting proactive measures, and advocating for responsible digital citizenship, we can collectively build a secure and sustainable digital future for everyone. The journey toward effective data governance begins with individual awareness and action, but its success hinges on collaborative efforts and shared responsibility.
Plateau, Nigeria— February 9, 2024 — The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is set to host a two-day Access to Justice town hall meeting and public presentation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Rules.
The event will feature the launch of the Administration of Criminal Justice Rules;
The Plateau State Administration of Criminal Justice Law Rules 2024
The Plateau State Administration of Criminal Justice Inter-Agency Service Charter 2024
The Plateau State Administration of Criminal Justice Standard Operating Procedures 2024
In line with the objectives of PPDC’s Access To Justice Programs, these instruments represent a significant step forward in streamlining processes within the criminal justice system to ensure fairness, transparency, and expediency.
The event aims to bring together key actors, including the Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Chief Judge, various judges from the High Court of Justice, the Honorable Attorney-General, and Commissioner for Justice of Plateau State, along with law professors and other legal experts who have been involved in the development and enactment of these instruments, to present them to a wider audience of stakeholders within the administration of the criminal justice system and the general public.
The town hall meeting and workshop will provide a platform for PPDC to share its experiences, learnings, impact, and challenges encountered during the implementation of the Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project. The event will feature a keynote paper presented by Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas (SAN) Additionally, it will offer the judiciary and the Plateau State Ministry of Justice an opportunity to unveil their agenda on access to justice to the stakeholders.
The two-day event will feature insightful discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focused on the innovations and applicability of the new instruments. It will facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building among stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of the criminal justice system in Plateau State.
About PPDC:
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organization and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government and to increase citizens’ participation in governance processes. Our programs are designed to promote values and initiatives that drive institutional, behavioural, and systemic change in our society. More information on Public and Private Development Centre can be found at www.ppdc.org
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