FG initiates legal reform after two decades of outdated laws

The federal government on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated a committee of high-powered law experts from various fields to review, update, and consolidate archaic Nigerian laws within six months.

The initiative, long overdue since the last update in 2004, marks a pivotal step in advancing the rule of law and promoting socio-economic growth.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the federal government, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, asked the committee members to be meticulous in the execution of the task placed before them.

Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on identifying outdated laws which, according to him, are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonizing conflicting laws to ensure uniformity and consistency.

He said, “I would like to inform you all that this is a project which is particularly dear to my heart, and I have always been concerned about our seeming inability to update the Laws of the Federation (LFN) since 2004, to enable clarity, predictability, consistency, and uniformity in our body of laws.

“You are all aware that the general purpose of law is to protect public interest, regulate human behavior, and interactions between corporate entities.

“The law is constantly dynamic and evolving; hence, there is a need for continuous review or reform of our body of laws to address contemporary socio-economic developments, resolve conflicting and obsolete provisions, with the ultimate aim of improving the administration of justice and promoting the rule of law.

“As you are aware, the review, update, and consolidation of the Laws of the Federation, 2004, is long overdue in order to reflect and consolidate legislative developments (inclusive of repeals, amendments, and enactments) from 2004 to date, in furtherance of the law development mandate of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

“The expected key areas of focus for the committee in the instant exercise are the identification of outdated laws which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws to ensure uniformity and consistency.

“This is with a view to attracting socio-economic growth and investment, promoting efficiency, and adapting to technological advancements.

“This committee has been deliberately set up with individuals with vast professional experience and technical expertise in various aspects of the justice sector.

“I realize that there is a lot of work to be done, and I would like to thank you all for accepting the call to serve our nation in this capacity.

“Let me particularly express gratitude to the leadership of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Law Reform Commission, and the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies for also supporting this initiative.

“Please be assured that the Federal Ministry of Justice will always be available to provide institutional support and assistance where required, in order to ensure that the committee achieves its mandate.”

The committee, which is chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, and co-chaired by the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Professor Jummai Audi, is charged with the following Terms of Reference: Coordinate the collection, collation, and compilation of LFN up to 2024; Work with relevant government agencies in harmonizing the laws of the federation up to 2024; Cross-check, edit, and proof-read all the legislations to be collected; Identify all legislations not included in the 2004 edition of the Laws of the Federation and update the same; Identify outdated or redundant laws in the current Laws of the Federation that need repeal and merge laws addressing related matters to eliminate redundancy; Prepare a comprehensive report of findings to the AGF thereafter and perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.

Fagbemi added that the timeframe for completion of this national assignment shall be six months from the date of this inauguration.

The AGF also charged the committee to work in synergy and exhibit patriotism in the overall interest of the nation and expressed optimism about receiving the report and copies of the draft volumes of Laws of the Federation 2024 in line with the wish of the federal government.