National Colloquium Communiqué: Accelerating Specialized Family Courts Across 36 States

Executive Summary

At the conclusion of the High-Level Judicial Colloquium held at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Superior Court Judges, Senior Family Court Magistrates, Directors of Public Prosecution (DPP), and Child Protection experts reaffirmed their solemn commitment to child justice transformation.

Key Directives & Resolutions

1. **Dedicated Family Divisions**: Every State Judiciary is urged to formally designate High Court and Magisterial benches exclusively assigned to handle child custody, wardship, adoption, and care proceedings. 2. **Child-Friendly Infrastructure**: Standardizing child testimony rooms equipped with two-way screens and sensitive recording devices to minimize secondary trauma for vulnerable minors. 3. **Strict Compliance with CRA 2003**: Enforcing statutory diversion protocols for juveniles in conflict with the law, ensuring detention remains an absolute measure of last resort. 4. **Inter-Agency Data Sharing**: Enhancing real-time coordination between the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Welfare Desks, FIDA advocates, and correctional services.

The Secretariat continues to provide specialized bench resources, guidelines, and capacity-building programs to support every accredited member across Nigeria.