Former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo delivered a compelling call for equitable access to justice during a high-level dialogue at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Speaking at the event titled “Why Justice Matters”, hosted by The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), Osinbajo addressed the often-overlooked economic and social toll of inaccessible legal systems.
In conversation with HiiL’s former CEO, Sam Muller, and current CEO, Jude Ilo, he underscored the critical need to “de-risk” the hidden costs individuals bear when justice is out of reach.
He advocated for a shift toward people-centred justice—an approach that prioritises the legal needs of ordinary citizens over bureaucratic formalities.
“The absence of justice has real economic implications and erodes trust in governance,” Osinbajo stated. “If we must build inclusive and prosperous societies, then accessible and fair justice systems must be foundational.”
Osinbajo’s remarks come at a time when global interest in legal innovation and human-centred reform is gaining momentum. HiiL’s initiative aligns with efforts to make legal services more affordable, transparent, and effective—especially for vulnerable communities.
The Peace Palace, a historic symbol of international law, provided the perfect setting for this forward-thinking discussion on the future of justice delivery.
