Stakeholders across the legal, academic, civil society, media and technology sectors have reaffirmed their commitment to improving access to justice in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region during a high-level Policy Roundtable held over the weekend in Yenagoa.
The event, convened by Maxim House in partnership with Somina Johnbull Legal, brought together a diverse group of participants for what was described as a deeply engaging and productive dialogue focused on strengthening legal aid frameworks and enhancing justice delivery for vulnerable communities.
According to the organisers, the roundtable provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the current state of legal aid in the region, identify persistent challenges faced by disadvantaged groups, and explore collaborative pathways toward inclusive and sustainable reforms.
Discussions highlighted gaps in legal awareness, funding limitations, overstretched legal aid institutions, and barriers faced by women, rural populations, and victims of human rights violations. Speakers emphasised that meaningful progress would require coordinated action, policy support, and increased investment in community-based legal services.
Representatives in attendance included members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), FIDA, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Non-Governmental Organisations Forum, Niger Delta University Law Clinic, media professionals, student leaders and technology innovators. Their contributions, organisers said, enriched the discourse and reinforced the shared determination to improve justice outcomes.
In a joint note of appreciation, Somina Johnbull, Mic Tonyo, Robinson Kuroghobogha, Harry Porbeni and Charity Beredugo thanked participants for their insight and dedication, stating that the meeting marked “an important step in a collective journey to advance justice and ensure that every individual, regardless of circumstance, can enjoy their right to access justice with dignity.”
The roundtable is expected to form the basis for follow-up engagements and policy proposals aimed at strengthening legal aid delivery in Bayelsa State and across the Niger Delta.
