The federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has taken steps to review Nigeria’s laws.
To this end, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, inaugurated a committee to carry out the review and updates.
The laws of the Federation of Nigeria were last reviewed in 2004.
Speaking on the step taken, Fagbemi explained that the review is part of ongoing efforts of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to promote the rule of law and access to justice in line with the policy objectives of enabling socio-economic growth and advancing legal reforms.
He voiced concerns about the seeming inability of the Federal Government to update the Laws of the Federation 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 behaviour and interactions between corporate entities.
“The law is constantly dynamic and evolving, hence, there is need for continuous review or reform of our body of laws (corpus juris), to address contemporary socio-economic developments, resolve conflicting and obsolete provisions with the ultimate aim of improving the administration of justice and promotion of 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 till date, in furtherance of the law development mandate of the Federal Ministry of Justice” the AGF stated.
The Committee, which is chaired by Olawale Fapohunda, (SAN), is co-chaired by the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Prof. Jummai Audi, and has six months to submit its report.
The committee is expected to identify outdated laws, which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.
The AGF said the committee’s terms of reference are to;
“Work with relevant Government Agencies in harmonizing the LFN 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 LFN and update same.
“Identify outdated or redundant laws in the current LFN that need repeal.
“Merge laws addressing related matters to eliminate redundancy.
“Prepare a comprehensive report of findings to the HAGF/MJ thereafter.
“Perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.”
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