Get Guardian on GoogleLawyers at Law Corridor have urged the National Assembly to abolish the requirement for Attorney-General’s consent before monetary judgments against government funds can be enforced, warning that the provision undermines the enforcement of court decisions and delays justice for successful litigants.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the managing partner at Law Corridor, Henry Kelechukwu Eniotu, also urged federal and state lawmakers to decriminalise attempted suicide, strengthen mental healthcare services and ensure greater transparency in the management of voters’ registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The firm made the calls while addressing three issues of national importance at a media briefing to mark its Founders’ Day, where it also announced the admission of Professor Olanrewaju Aladeitan
On enforcement of monetary judgments, Law Corridor said the law required for the consent of the appropriate Attorney-General before a garnishee order nisi could be made against certain public funds created opportunities for unnecessary delays.
It noted that although courts had clarified aspects of the provision, including circumstances involving funds held by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the broader consent requirement remained a potential obstacle to successful litigants seeking to enforce judgments against government institutions.
According to the firm, citizens and businesses that secure favourable court judgments should not be subjected to prolonged administrative hurdles before receiving the benefits of such decisions.
It warned that delays in enforcement could expose successful litigants to financial losses, particularly as inflation continued to erode the value of monetary awards.
The firm argued that government already had access to established legal remedies, including appeals and applications for stay of execution, and should not enjoy an additional avenue for indefinitely frustrating the enforcement of court judgments.
It therefore urged the National Assembly to amend the law, remove the consent requirement and introduce clear enforcement procedures with definite timelines, effective post-judgment remedies and judicial oversight.
On mental health, Law Corridor called for the repeal of provisions criminalising attempted suicide under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code.
It said people experiencing mental health crises required medical attention, protection and rehabilitation rather than the threat of criminal prosecution.
The firm urged the National Assembly and relevant state Houses of Assembly to complete legislative reforms towards decriminalisation, stressing that the National Mental Health Act must be backed by accessible treatment facilities, trained personnel and sustained public funding.
It also called for stronger attention to severe mental health conditions associated with childbirth, particularly postpartum psychosis.
Citing Section 327A of the Criminal Code, which recognises infanticide in specified circumstances involving mental disturbance following childbirth or associated lactation, the firm stressed the need for early diagnosis, urgent treatment and appropriate psychiatric assessment.
It said the protection of children and the care of mothers experiencing severe psychiatric conditions should be pursued through coordinated healthcare and justice systems.
On electoral credibility, Law Corridor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve transparency in the management of voters’ registers and provide clear information on registration figures ahead of the next general elections.
