Our Ministry
Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice is the state’s agency in charge of administration
of Justice for the State.
About Us
The Ministry of Justice was created in 1996 upon the creation of Nasarawa State. The Ministry prosecutes civil and criminal cases; and renders legal advice to Government Parastatals, commissions and Boards, Agencies, Extra Ministerial Departments and the Nigerian Police Force. The Ministry is headed by the Attorney –General and Commissioner for Justice with the Solicitor –General and Permanent Secretary who is also the accounting officer assisting him. To handle these responsibilities diligently, the Ministry is divided into six (6) departments and each is headed by a director.
Our Vision
The vision of the Ministry of Justice is “Nasarawa State, a State governed by the Rule of Law, Respect for fundamental human rights, and an accessible Justice is affordable by all, State judicial interest are well protected”
Our Mission
Organize and oversee the promotion of the Rule of Law and Fair Justice for all.
Our Core Values
At the heart of the implementation of the Ministry’s mission lies following core values that permeates the Ministry’s service to the Nasarawa State population and State:
- Collaboration
- Effectiveness
- Efficiency
- Equity
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Transparency
Our Functions
The Ministry of Justice plays a pivotal role in anchoring the justice sector in Nasarawa. The Ministry essentially prosecutes civil and criminal cases, renders legal advice to Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the Nigeria Police Force, drafts and reviews agreement.
Some of its functions includes but not limited to:
- Prosecution of all criminal matters including offences
- Handling of all civil matter on behalf of the State, Local Government and government agencies of Nasarawa State
- Giving legal advice on criminal cases including motor traffic offences
- Drafting and vetting of legal instruments and contract documents.
- Rendering legal advice to the Government, Ministries, Departments and government owned companies as well as Local Government Councils.
- Prosecution of cases that includes cases before the Miscellaneous Offences Tribunals and other courts on behalf of the Federal Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
- The Ministry is also responsible for drafting and/or vetting the State Laws Particularly Executive Bills before passage at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, and drafting Executive Orders for the Governor’s endorsement.
Our Departments
Get a quick view of our ministry through the directorates.
Directorate of Public Prosecution
This is a very crucial directorate, as it has the responsibility to prosecute all Criminal Cases among other important functions.
Department of Legal Drafting
Drafting of Laws, Legal Opinions, Legal advice for the MDAs, vetting of Government Contracts/Agreements, Court Processes and letters.
Directorate of Civil Litigation
The Directorate of Civil Litigations is responsible for initiating and defending civil suits on behalf of Government and her agencies in all courts. The department handles a plethora of cases ranging from land matters, contract, legislative interpretation and labour law.
Directorate of Law Reform , Planning , Research and Statistics
This department is responsible for advising the government on the reform of the substantive and procedural laws applicable in the way of codification , elimination of anomalous of obsolete laws and general simplification of the law to make circumstances better in accordance with the general direction issued by the Government.
Directorate of Area Offices
Administration and supervision of Area Offices in Akwanga, Karu, Keffi and Nasarawa zones.
Department of Administration and Supplies
This department is in charge of the general administration of the ministry and management of the human resources of the Ministries
Public Goals and Development Strategies
Our policy goal is to continue to deliver effective and efficient legal services to the State and Local Government, their department and agencies at all times. And to draft bills , contract agreements or vet same without undue delay. Generally, the Ministries target is perfoming our functions optimally to the satisfaction of Government and all concerned. In the same vein , the welfare of all staff shall be taken care of seriously to encourage them for better performance. Amongst our development strategies is training and retraining of Counsel to build and enhance their professional capacity. More counsel will attend relevant workshops , seminars and conferences to broaden their knowledge and keep them more abreast with current trends in law and its application.
The ministry shall broaden and expand its operational base by establishing more area offices so as to take justice to the doorsteps of the people. Currently , we have only one area office at Keffi, and the Ministry intends to establish more of such offices at Lafia, Akwanga, Karu and Obi to swiftly attend to the numerous cases arising from such places.
