Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Wednesday said that despite sweeping political, economic, and technological changes, the country risks stagnation if it continues to rely on obsolete laws last consolidated in 2004.
Gov Nwifuru stated this during the third retreat of the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, during which Nigeria’s outdated legal framework came under heavy scrutiny as leading voices in governance and the judiciary demanded urgent reforms.
Nwifuru noted that every society is measured by the strength of its law and that we cannot carry yesterday’s law into tomorrow’s challenges, noting that to govern effectively, our legal framework must speak to today’s realities and anticipate the needs of the future.
It was noted that the committee, inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024, is charged with reviewing over 757 Acts and 753 subsidiary legislations to eliminate redundancy, consolidate statutes, and align the legal framework with democratic and economic needs.
Governor Nwifuru, in a pointed charge to the committee, said every clause refined and every statute revised would have a direct bearing on the nation’s democratic survival.
“History will judge this committee not only by the pages of the revised laws but by the impact those laws will have on justice, democracy, and development,” he declared.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), underscored the significance of the exercise, describing it as vital for good governance and the survival of democracy.
He noted that obsolete laws frustrate justice delivery, discourage investment, and weaken public trust in institutions.
“Modernizing our legal framework, eliminating outdated statutes, and ensuring accessibility of the law will not only strengthen democracy but also enhance the ease of doing business and align Nigeria with its international obligations,” Fagbemi said.
He commended Ebonyi for reforms such as its Charter of Justice initiative and digitization of court processes, describing the state as a model in justice sector transformation.
Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ben Odoh, assured the committee of the full backing of state counterparts, revealing that no fewer than 30 Attorneys-General attended the retreat to show solidarity.
“As we return to our states, we will replicate this reform process at the sub-national level. Be rest assured that every support needed to make this work succeed will be provided,” Odoh said.
Committee Chairman, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), disclosed that 641 Acts have already been concluded in the review process, with redundant provisions marked for deletion. He stressed that the retreat would finalize modalities for producing the revised 2025 edition of the Laws of the Federation.
Speakers, including the co-chairman of the review committee, SAN Dakas C.J. Dakas, repeatedly warned that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy rests heavily on the relevance and clarity of its laws. They argued that a legal system that is outdated and incoherent cannot guarantee justice, economic stability, or citizens’ confidence.
The retreat will continue in Abakaliki, with deliberations expected to harmonize draft revisions and prepare a consolidated legal framework that stakeholders said could redefine Nigeria’s justice system for decades to come.
