JEI

Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI) is a Nigerian organization that supports poor and marginalized communities in leading lasting change on issues affecting their lives. Its work focuses on access to justice, inclusive urban governance, and community-led development, particularly for people living in informal settlements. JEI combines expertise in law, advocacy, urban planning, creative media, and community organizing to help communities address justice and development challenges.

The organization trains and supports community-based paralegals in cities across Nigeria, strengthening local knowledge and access to legal support. It also fosters movement-building and solidarity through community exchanges and collective forums. Working with grassroots movements, JEI undertakes strategic advocacy and litigation to support community efforts and create opportunities for residents to shape decisions about their cities. Its public communications include press statements, declarations, and research reports on forced evictions, urban poverty, and related issues. Through its Media4Change work, JEI uses creative media to amplify community perspectives and has co-produced the film Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos.