The CLEEN Foundation has officially launched a new project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice frameworks and advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
The initiative, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its embassy in Abuja, seeks to address critical gaps in the justice and security sectors across multiple states.
The project, titled “Strengthening Right-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace, and Security in Nigeria,” was unveiled at an event in Abuja attended by key stakeholders from government, civil society, and international partner organisations.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Norwegian government.
“On behalf of the CLEEN Foundation’s Board, management and staff, I warmly welcome you all,” he began. “My special welcome and thanks go to our funder, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Norwegian Embassy here in Abuja. Your Excellency Ambassador Svein Baera, your partnership on this project is highly appreciated.”
Mr Maduoma detailed the project’s dual focus. The first component aims to reinforce right-based approaches to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and its state-level equivalents.
This effort will be implemented in twelve states: Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ekiti, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, Cross-River, and Akwa Ibom.
The second component will support the effective operationalisation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in five states: Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa.
“CLEEN will leverage its extensive experience in security sector reform and gender-responsive interventions over the years to deliver on this project,” Maduoma stated.
He emphasised that the two-year initiative will build upon previous efforts and foster collaboration among national, sub-national, and local partners.
Celebrating its 27th year, the CLEEN Foundation has a long history of promoting public safety, security, and justice in Nigeria through research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
Mr Maduoma concluded by calling for continued collaboration from all stakeholders.
“Everyone here is a significant stakeholder in the actualisation of the goal and objectives of this two-year project,” he said. “We solicit your continuing partnership and strategic contributions as we effectively and efficiently implement this project.”
