On Thursday, the federal government 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 law review and update are said to be part of the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed 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.
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Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on the identification of outdated laws which according to him, are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and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 and regulate human behaviour 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 promotion of rule of law.
“As you are aware, the review, update and consolidation of the Laws of the Federation, 2004 is long overdue 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“The expected key areas of focus for the Committee in the instant exercise are identification of outdated laws which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.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, to ensure that the Committee achieves its mandate.
The Committee which is chaired by 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 and to cross-check, edit and proofread 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.
They are also to prepare a comprehensive report of findings to the AGF thereafter and
perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.
“The time frame for completion of this national assignment shall be 6 months from the date of this inauguration. I enjoin the Committee to make best efforts to deliver within the stated timeline.
The AGF also charged the Committee to work in synergy and exhibit patriotism, in the overall interest of the nation and expressed optimism to receive the report and copies of the draft volumes of Laws of the Federation 2024 in line with the wish of the federal government.
Other members of the team include- Prof Ernest Ojukwu SAN (Teacher), ST Hon SAN, Tunde Fagbohun SAN, Prof Deji Adekunle SAN, Justice Ajileye (rtd), Prof Peter Akpe SAN, Dr Balkisu Saidu.
