US Report Faults Nigeria On Justice System And Economy

The United States government has raised fresh concerns over security, justice delivery, wages, and human rights in Nigeria, citing ongoing cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and weak protection of workers and children.

In its 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices, the US Department of State noted that despite reforms, Nigeria continues to face delays in its judicial system, with many detainees held for long periods without trial. It said suspects were often denied access to lawyers and family members, while bail conditions were sometimes applied unfairly, leading to indefinite detention. The report also mentioned that in some cases, individuals remained in custody because police and prison authorities lost their files or could not transport them to court.

The US report also pointed to the enforcement of the new N70,000 minimum wage, saying the currency depreciation had stripped it of value. At an exchange rate above ₦1,500 to the dollar, the wage was pegged at less than $50 monthly, a level that falls below the poverty line. It added that many workers were excluded because the law does not cover firms with fewer than 25 employees, and several states had yet to implement the wage increase.

On human rights, the report said enforced disappearances remain a concern, with reference to Amnesty International’s account of young men detained at the now-disbanded SARS unit in Awkuzu, Anambra State, whose whereabouts are still unknown. It explained that security agencies retain broad powers to arrest without warrants, and this authority has sometimes been abused.

The report also drew attention to child rights violations, particularly early marriage. While federal law sets 18 years as the minimum age, many states still permit child marriages under customary and religious laws, with some girls married as young as 11. The document noted that government and international partners had been working with traditional and religious leaders to discourage the practice due to health risks.

Reacting to the report, the Presidency said Nigeria is taking steps to address the issues raised. It explained that judicial reforms are ongoing to reduce lengthy pre-trial detentions, and a national summit on justice was held last year to strengthen the system. It added that security agencies are now working with greater coordination, which has helped reduce violence and led to the arrest of terrorist leaders.

The Presidency also stated that the economy is being recalibrated, with the naira showing signs of stability and other macroeconomic indicators improving. It assured that ongoing reforms will continue to improve justice delivery, security, and economic growth.