Land Disputes and Domestic Violence Dominate Nigeria’s Justice Challenges, Says

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Land disputes and domestic violence have emerged as the leading justice issues plaguing Nigerians, according to the 2025 Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) report released by the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HIIL). Presented by HIIL’s Country Representative, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor, during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the report exposes a widening justice gap that affects millions across the country.

The three-year study, which tracked the same group of Nigerians to monitor evolving justice experiences, revealed that land disputes and domestic violence are not only prevalent but also persistently unresolved. Nwafor highlighted that land disputes, affecting a significant portion of the population, accounted for 24% of unresolved, long-lasting cases by the study’s final year.

“These disputes are less likely to be settled through formal mechanisms, with many Nigerians opting for direct negotiations or community leaders due to the high costs and complexity of court processes,” she explained.

Domestic violence was reported by 30% of respondents, encompassing physical, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse. Survivors described devastating impacts, including stress-related illnesses, financial losses, strained family ties, and job loss. While some found fair resolutions, many abandoned efforts due to distrust or despair in the justice system. “The profound toll of domestic violence underscores the urgent need for accessible solutions,” Nwafor noted.

The report also uncovered broader trends in Nigeria’s justice landscape. Issues with neighbors and family often recur if root causes remain unaddressed or resolutions are informal, bypassing formal systems entirely. Urban poor communities bear the brunt of long-lasting legal problems, primarily tied to land, domestic violence, and debt. Despite these challenges, Nigerians actively seek solutions through negotiation, family, or local leaders, though trust in formal systems like the police lags behind that in religious or community authorities.

Nwafor emphasized that the formal justice system, while viewed positively by some, is often perceived as designed for lawyers rather than ordinary citizens. “This disconnect highlights the need for affordable, accessible, and timely services,” she said, advocating for stronger informal and community-based resolution mechanisms.

The JNS 2025 report offers a roadmap for policymakers, providing detailed, nationwide data collected over three years. Its recommendations include regular, people-centered justice data collection and prioritizing pathways to resolve land and domestic violence disputes effectively. “The justice gap in Nigeria is real and growing, but with the right tools and political will, it can be closed,” Nwafor asserted, calling the report a vital tool for justice providers.

Bengt van Loosdrecht, the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Nigeria, echoed the urgency, stating, “Justice should not be a luxury but a commodity for everyone.” Sunny Daniel, a journalist and member of the National Human Rights Commission’s governing council, described the findings as alarming, urging stakeholders to redouble efforts. “This report shows we’re far from where we want to be. Let’s go back and do more,” he said.

As Nigeria grapples with these persistent justice challenges, the JNS 2025 report serves as a clarion call for reform, offering evidence-based insights to bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to justice for all.

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