“The rule of law is the foundation for communities of opportunity and equity—it is the predicate for the eradication of poverty, violence, corruption, pandemics, and other threats to civil society.” - -WILLIAM H. NEUKOM, FOUNDER AND CEO, THE WORLD JUSTICE PROJECT

1. NIGERIA AND THE
RULE OF LAW

2. “The rule of law is the foundation
for communities of opportunity and
equity—it is the predicate for the
eradication of poverty, violence,
corruption, pandemics, and other
threats to civil society.”
-WILLIAM H. NEUKOM, FOUNDER AND CEO, THE WORLD JUSTICE PROJECT

3. UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES OF RULE OF LAW
ACCOUNTABLE UNDER THE LAW
• The government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and
private entities are accountable under the law
THE LAWS ARE CLEAR, PUBLICIZED, STABLE, AND JUST
• The laws are clear, publicized, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and
protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property.
ACCESSIBLE, FAIR, AND EFFICIENT JUDICIAL PROCESS
• The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is
accessible, fair, and efficient
COMPETENT, ETHICAL, AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL PROCESS
• Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent
representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate
resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.

4. THE WJP RULE OF LAW INDEX
The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index comprises 9
DIMENSIONS (or factors) and 47 OUTCOMES (or sub-factors).
RULE OF LAW INDEX
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 . . .
45 46 47

5. NINE DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW
CONSTRAINTS ON
GOVERNMENT
POWERS
ABSENCE OF
CORRUPTION
OPEN
GOVERNMENT
FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS
ORDER AND
SECURITY
REGULATORY
ENFORCEMENT
CIVIL JUSTICE CRIMINAL JUSTICE
INFORMAL
JUSTICE

6. NINE DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW
Constraints on government powers
Measures the extent to which those who
govern are bound by law.
Absence of Corruption
Measures the absence of corruption in
government.
Open government
Measures the openness of government, which
is essential for effective public oversight.
Fundamental rights
Measures protection of fundamental human
rights
Order and security
Measures how well the society assures the
security of person and property.
Regulatory enforcement
Measures the extent to which regulations are
fairly and effectively implemented & enforced.
Civil justice
Measures whether ordinary people can resolve
their grievances peacefully and effectively
through the civil justice system.
Criminal justice Evaluates the criminal justice system
Informal justice
Concerns the role played in many countries by
customary and “informal” systems of justice.

7. NINE DIMENSIONS & 47 OUTCOMES
1.1 Government powers are effectively limited by the legislature
1.2 Government powers are effectively limited by the judiciary
1.3 Government powers are effectively limited by independent auditing and review
1.4 Government officials are sanctioned for misconduct
1.5 Government powers are subject to non-governmental checks
1.6 Transition of power is subject to the law
Constraints on
government
powers
2.1 Government officials in the executive branch do not use public office for private gain
2.2 Government officials in the judicial branch do not use public office for private gain
2.3 Government officials in the police & the military do not use public office for private gain
2.4 Government officials in the legislative branch do not use public office for private gain
Absence of
corruption
Open
government
3.1 The laws are publicized and accessible
3.2 The laws are stable
3.3 Right to petition the government and public participation
3.4 Official information is available on request
4.1 Equal treatment and absence of discrimination
4.2 The right to life and security of the person is effectively guaranteed
4.3 Due process of law and rights of the accused
4.4 Freedom of opinion and expression is effectively guaranteed
4.5 Freedom of belief and religion is effectively guaranteed
4.6 Freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed
4.7 Freedom of assembly and association is effectively guaranteed
4.8 Fundamental labor rights are effectively guaranteed
Fundamental
rights
5.1 Crime is effectively controlled
5.2 Civil conflict is effectively limited
5.3 People do not resort to violence to redress personal grievances
Order and
security

8. NINE DIMENSIONS & 47 OUTCOMES
6.1 Government regulations are effectively enforced
6.2 Government regulations are applied and enforced without improper influence
6.3 Administrative proceedings are conducted without unreasonable delay
6.4 Due process is respected in administrative proceedings
6.5 The government does not expropriate without lawful process and adequate compensation
7.1 People can access and afford civil justice
7.2 Civil justice is free of discrimination
7.3 Civil justice is free of corruption
7.4 Civil justice is free of improper government influence
7.5 Civil justice is not subject to unreasonable delay
7.6 Civil justice is effectively enforced
7.7 ADR is accessible, impartial, and effective
8.1 Criminal investigation system is effective
8.2 Criminal adjudication system is timely and effective
8.3 Correctional system is effective in reducing criminal behavior
8.4 Criminal system is impartial
8.5 Criminal system is free of corruption
8.6 Criminal justice is free of improper government influence
8.7 Due process
9.1 Informal justice is timely and effective
9.2 Informal justice is impartial of free influence
9.3 Informal justice respects and protects fundamental rights
Regulatory
enforcement
Civil justice
Criminal
justice
Informal justice

9. WJP RULE OF LAW – SCOPE
YEAR EXPERTS LOCAL PEOPLE VARIABLES COUNTRIES
2010 900 35,000 700 35
2011 2,000 66,000 400 66
2012/13 2,500 97,000 400 97
2014 4,000 100,000 541 99

10. NIGERIA RULE OF LAW – SCOPE
The analysis takes a look at Nigeria’s rating and score in the
World Justice Project as captured in the Rule of Law Index.
Opinions were sampled in Lagos, Kano and Oyo States
YEAR
CITIES
COVERED
POLLING
COMPANY
METHODOLOGY SAMPLE
2010
Lagos, Kano,
Ibadan
The Steadman
Group
Face-to-face 1001
2011
Lagos, Kano,
Ibadan
The Steadman
Group
Face-to-face 1001
2012/
13
Lagos, Kano,
Ibadan
The Steadman
Group
Face-to-face 1001
2014
Lagos, Kano,
Ibadan
Marketing Support
Consultancy
Face-to-face 1048

11. NIGERIA RULE OF LAW
(SCORE & RANKING)

12. NIGERIA RULE OF LAW – Score/Ranking
The Scores range between 0 and 1, where 1 signifies the highest
score (high rule of law adherence) and 0 signifies the lowest
score (low rule of law adherence).
DIMENSIONS OF
RULE OF LAW
SCORES / RANKING
2014 2012 2011 2010
Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank
Constraints on govt. powers 0.47 69 0.45 74 0.50 44 0.39 30
Absence of Corruption 0.26 97 0.25 95 0.41 52 0.46 24
Open government 0.40 76 0.35 90 0.34 59 0.30 28
Fundamental rights 0.42 88 0.45 85 0.49 55 0.42 32
Order and security 0.36 98 0.47 94 0.54 63 0.36 33
Regulatory enforcement 0.40 83 0.42 78 0.46 50 0.51 22
Civil justice 0.50 52 0.53 53 0.57 34 0.59 18
Criminal justice 0.31 91 0.28 94 0.41 53 0.42 29
Year 2014 2012 2011 2010
No. of Country 99 97 66 35

13. NIGERIA RULE OF LAW – Score
While Ranking can change due to the number of Countries
sampled, Score is the true reflection of the Rule of Law for each
country which is not affected by the number of countries sampled.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
1 Constraints on government powers 0.47 0.45 0.50 0.39
2 Absence of Corruption 0.26 0.25 0.41 0.46
3 Open government 0.40 0.35 0.34 0.30
4 Fundamental rights 0.42 0.45 0.49 0.42
5 Order and security 0.36 0.47 0.54 0.36
6 Regulatory enforcement 0.40 0.42 0.46 0.51
7 Civil justice 0.50 0.53 0.57 0.59
8 Criminal justice 0.31 0.28 0.41 0.42
Factor 9: Informal Justice. Although the WJP has collected data on this
dimension, it is not included in the aggregated scores and rankings.

14. 1. Constraints on Government Powers
CONSTRAINTS ON GOVERNMENT POWERS: Measures the extent to
which those who govern are bound by law. Overall Growth: +0.08.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
1 Constraints on government powers 0.47 0.45 0.50 0.39
INDICATOR 2014 2012
CONSTRAINTS ON GOVERNMENT POWERS 0.47 0.45
1.1 Government powers are effectively limited by the legislature 0.63 0.62
1.2 Government powers are effectively limited by the judiciary 0.49 0.49
1.3 Government powers are effectively limited by independent auditing and review 0.28 0.24
1.4 Government officials are sanctioned for misconduct 0.39 0.32
1.5 Government powers are subject to non-governmental checks 0.55 0.55
1.6 Transition of power is subject to the law 0.49 0.48
IT SHOWS THAT THOSE WHO GOVERN ARE INCREASINGLY
BEING BOUND BY LAW. PARTICULARLY, INDICATOR 1.4
GOVERNMENT POWERS ARE SANCTIONED FOR
MISCONDUCT INCREASED BY 0.07. ALSO, INDICATOR 1.3
SHOWS A GROWTH OF 0.04.
INDICATOR here and subsequently also refer to OUTCOME or sub-factor

15. 2. Absence of Corruption
ABSENCE OF CORRUPTION: Measures the absence of corruption
in government. Overall Growth: –0.20.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
2 Absence of Corruption 0.26 0.25 0.41 0.46
INDICATOR 2014 2012
ABSENCE OF CORRUPTION 0.26 0.25
2.1 Government officials in the executive branch do not use public office for private gain 0.28 0.26
2.2 Government officials in the judicial branch do not use public office for private gain 0.46 0.46
2.3 Government officials in the police & the military do not use public office for private gain 0.22 0.21
2.4 Government officials in the legislative branch do not use public office for private gain 0.09 0.05
WHILE THERE IS LITTLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2012 &
2014, INDICATOR 2.4 MADE THE MOST CONTRIBUTION OF
0.04 INCREASE. HOWEVER, OVERALL INDICATOR SHOWS
HIGH PRESENCE OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA. BETWEEN
2010 & 2014, CORRUPTION HAS GROWN AS INDICATED BY
2014 VALUE OF 0.26 WHICH IS A FALL FROM 0.46 IN 2010.

16. 3. Open government
OPEN GOVERNMENT: Measures the openness of government,
which is essential for effective public oversight. Overall Growth: +0.10.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
3 Open government 0.40 0.35 0.34 0.30
INDICATOR 2014 2012
OPEN GOVERNMENT 0.40 0.35
3.1 The laws are publicized and accessible 0.41 0.33
3.2 The laws are stable 0.46 0.39
3.3 Right to petition the government and public participation 0.45 0.40
3.4 Official information is available on request 0.29 0.28
THIS INDICATOR HAS INCREASED BY 0.1, WITH
THE MOST EFFORT CONTRIBUTED BUT
INDICATOR 3.1. PARTICULARLY, THE SIGNING
INTO LAW OF THE “FREEDOM OF
INFORMATION BILL” PROMOTES THIS GROWTH

17. 4. Fundamental rights
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: Measures protection of fundamental
human rights. Overall Growth: 0.00.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
4 Fundamental rights 0.42 0.45 0.49 0.42
INDICATOR 2014 2012
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS 0.42 0.45
4.1 Equal treatment and absence of discrimination 0.53 0.48
4.2 The right to life and security of the person is effectively guaranteed 0.24 0.29
4.3 Due process of law and rights of the accused 0.22 0.21
4.4 Freedom of opinion and expression is effectively guaranteed 0.56 0.56
4.5 Freedom of belief and religion is effectively guaranteed 0.49 0.50
4.6 Freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed 0.34 0.35
4.7 Freedom of assembly and association is effectively guaranteed 0.62 0.74
4.8 Fundamental labor rights are effectively guaranteed 0.40 0.46
THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF NIGERIANS ARE NOT
RESPECTED WITH NO DIFFERENCE IN GROWTH
BETWEEN 2010 & 2014. INDICATOR 4.7 IS THE MOST
AFFECTED WITH A FALL OF 0.12. BETWEEN 2012 & 2014.

18. 5. Order and security
ORDER AND SECURITY: Measures how well the society assures
the security of person and property. Overall Growth: 0.00.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
5 Order and security 0.36 0.47 0.54 0.36
INDICATOR 2014 2012
ORDER AND SECURITY 0.36 0.47
5.1 Crime is effectively controlled 0.34 0.49
5.2 Civil conflict is effectively limited 0.31 0.58
5.3 People do not resort to violence to redress personal grievances 0.42 0.35
ORDER AND SECURITY REMAIN APPEARS TO BE OUT
OF PLACE FROM 2011 TILL DATE. INDICATOR 5.2 –
“CIVIL CONFLICT IS EFFECTIVELY LIMITED”,
EXPERIENCE A NOSEDIVE OF 0.27 WHICH SHOWS
THAT THERE IS INCREASING THREAT TO THE
SECURITY OF LIFE AND PROPERTIES.

19. 6. Regulatory enforcement
REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT: Measures the extent to which regulations
are fairly and effectively implemented & enforced. Overall Growth: -0.11.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
6 Regulatory enforcement 0.40 0.42 0.46 0.51
INDICATOR 2014 2012
REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT 0.40 0.42
5.1 Crime is effectively controlled 0.38 0.36
6.2 Government regulations are applied and enforced without improper influence 0.37 0.44
6.3 Administrative proceedings are conducted without unreasonable delay 0.29 0.38
6.4 Due process is respected in administrative proceedings 0.44 0.37
6.5 The government does not expropriate without lawful process & adequate compensation 0.53 0.52
REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT IS ON A CONTINUOUS
FALL FROM 0.51 IN 2010 TO 0.40 IN 2014. ALL
INDICATORS EXCEPT INDICATOR 6.4
EXPERIENCED A DROP BETWEEN 2012 & 2014.

20. 7. Civil Justice
CIVIL JUSTICE: Measures whether ordinary people can resolve their grievances
peacefully and effectively through the civil justice system. Overall Growth: -0.09.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
7 Civil Justice 0.50 0.53 0.57 0.59
INDICATOR 2014 2012
CIVIL JUSTICE 0.50 0.53
7.1 People can access and afford civil justice 0.47 0.55
7.2 Civil justice is free of discrimination 0.66 0.56
7.3 Civil justice is free of corruption 0.49 0.51
7.4 Civil justice is free of improper government influence 0.48 0.56
7.5 Civil justice is not subject to unreasonable delay 0.37 0.55
7.6 Civil justice is effectively enforced 0.45 0.50
7.7 ADR is accessible, impartial, and effective 0.59 0.66
THE ENTIRE INDICATORS EXPERIENCED A DROP.
INDICATOR 7.1 & 7.5 ARE THE INDICATORS WITH
HIGHEST DROP OF 0.18 EACH

21. 8. Criminal Justice
CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Evaluates the criminal justice system. Overall
Growth: -0.11.
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 2011 2010
8 Criminal Justice 0.31 0.28 0.41 0.42
INDICATOR 2014 2012
CRIMINAL JUSTICE 0.31 0.28
8.1 Criminal investigation system is effective 0.34 0.26
8.2 Criminal adjudication system is timely and effective 0.34 0.27
8.3 Correctional system is effective in reducing criminal behavior 0.20 0.14
8.4 Criminal system is impartial 0.39 0.23
8.5 Criminal system is free of corruption 0.27 0.32
8.6 Criminal justice is free of improper government influence 0.41 0.55
8.7 Due process 0.22 0.21
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NIGERIA RECEIVED A
NEGATIVE RATING WITH AN OVERALL SCORE OF 0.42 IN
2010 BUT NOW 0.31 IN 2014. INDICATOR 8.6 IS ONE OF
THOSE INDICATORS THAT EXPERIENCED A DROP
BETWEEN 2012 & 2014.

22. DIMENSIONS WITH +VE / -VE DIFFERENCE
No. DIMENSIONS OF RULE OF LAW 2014 2012 DIFF
1 Constraints on government powers 0.47 0.45 +0.02
2 Absence of Corruption 0.26 0.25 +0.01
3 Open government 0.40 0.35 +0.05
4 Fundamental rights 0.42 0.45 -0.03
5 Order and security 0.36 0.47 -0.11
6 Regulatory enforcement 0.40 0.42 -0.02
7 Civil justice 0.50 0.53 -0.03
8 Criminal justice 0.31 0.28 +0.03
• Constraints on government
powers
• Absence of Corruption
• Open government
• Criminal justice
• Fundamental rights
• Order and security
• Regulatory enforcement
• Civil justice

23. INDICATORS WITH POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
INDICATOR 2014 2012 DIFF
1.1 0.63 0.62 +0.01
1.3 0.28 0.24 +0.04
1.4 0.39 0.32 +0.07
1.6 0.49 0.48 +0.01
2.1 0.28 0.26 +0.02
2.3 0.22 0.21 +0.01
2.4 0.09 0.05 +0.04
3.1 0.41 0.33 +0.08
3.2 0.46 0.39 +0.07
3.3 0.45 0.4 +0.05
3.4 0.29 0.28 +0.01
4.1 0.53 0.48 +0.05
4.3 0.22 0.21 +0.01
5.3 0.42 0.35 +0.07
6.1 0.38 0.36 +0.02
6.4 0.44 0.37 +0.07
6.5 0.53 0.52 +0.01
7.2 0.66 0.56 +0.10
7.5 0.37 0.35 +0.02
8.1 0.34 0.26 +0.08
8.2 0.34 0.27 +0.07
8.3 0.2 0.14 +0.06
8.4 0.39 0.23 +0.16
8.7 0.22 0.21 +0.01
CUMULATIVE
+0.13
+0.07
+0.21
+0.06
+0.07
+0.10
+0.12
+0.38

24. INDICATORS WITH POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
INDICATOR DIFF
1.1
+0.13 1.3
1.4
1.6
2.1
2.3 +0.07
2.4
3.1
+0.21 3.2
3.3
3.4
4.1 +0.06 4.3
5.3 +0.07
6.1
6.4 +0.10
6.5
7.2 +0.12 7.5
8.1
+0.38
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.7
DIMENSION
8
3
1
7
6
5
2
4

25. INDICATORS WITH NEGATIVE DIFFERENCE
INDICATOR 2014 2012 DIFF
4.2 0.24 0.29 -0.05
4.5 0.49 0.50 -0.01
4.6 0.34 0.35 -0.01
4.7 0.62 0.74 -0.12
4.8 0.40 0.46 -0.06
5.1 0.34 0.49 -0.15
5.2 0.31 0.58 -0.27
6.2 0.37 0.44 -0.07
6.3 0.29 0.38 -0.09
7.1 0.47 0.55 -0.08
7.3 0.49 0.51 -0.02
7.4 0.48 0.56 -0.08
7.6 0.45 0.50 -0.05
7.7 0.59 0.66 -0.07
8.5 0.27 0.32 -0.05
8.6 0.41 0.55 -0.14
-0.25
-0.42
-0.16
-0.20
-0.19
CUMULATIVE

26. INDICATORS WITH NEGATIVE DIFFERENCE
INDICATOR
4.2
4.5
4.6
-0.25
4.7
4.8
5.1 -0.42 5.2
6.2 -0.16 6.3
7.1
7.3
7.4
-0.20
7.6
7.7
8.5 -0.19 8.6
DIMENSION
5
4
7
8
6

27. RULE OF LAW…SUMMARY
DIMENSION OUTCOMES / INDICATORS
• 4 - Fundamental rights
• 5 - Order and security
• 6 - Regulatory enforcement
• 7 - Civil justice
5.1
5.2
7.1
7.3
7.4
7.6
7.7
6.2
6.3
8.5
8.6
4.2
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
The DIMENSIONS with overall NEGATIVE
difference are 4, 5, 6, & 7. They also have
NEGATIVE INDICATORS, which reflects areas
where Nigeria needs urgent attention in order
to improve her RULE OF LAW rating.

28. Data Source:
- THE WORLD JUSTICE PROJECT - ISBN (online versions): 978-0-9882846-6-1
(2014), 978-0-9882846-3-0 (2012-2013), ISBN 978-0-615-51219-8 (2011),
ISBN (print): 978-0-615-40781-4 (2010)
Analysis by: Wale Micaiah
e: walegate@yahoo.com
m: 08078001800
w: www.walemicaiah.com
w: www.statisense.com
Freely share, freely use and freely acknowledge the source – © Wale Micaiah