- Anambra State House of Assembly has begun reviewing several laws considered outdated or obsolete
- Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze said some laws were derived from military decrees and were never properly domesticated in a democratic framework
- He disclosed that some of the statutes also conflict with international conventions ratified by Nigeria
The Anambra State House of Assembly has begun a comprehensive review of several state laws considered outdated, many of which date back to Nigeria’s military era.
Lawmakers said a number of statutes still in operation in the state no longer reflect present-day realities, stressing that the legislature is committed to updating them to align with contemporary legal and social developments.
Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, made the disclosure on Thursday, March 12, during his opening remarks at a four-day retreat for leaders and members of the Eighth Assembly in Asaba, Delta State.
Udeze explained that several of the laws under consideration originated from military decrees and were never fully adapted to operate within a democratic legal framework.
He also noted that some of the statutes contradict international conventions ratified by Nigeria.
According to the Speaker, many of the laws are also no longer suitable for the realities of a modern digital society.
Among the statutes listed for possible amendment are those relating to data protection, community development, environmental regulation and the rights of persons with disabilities.
He said, “A special committee had already been set up to examine such laws and recommend necessary amendments or reforms.
“The retreat is organised to help lawmakers outline concrete legislative priorities and develop a clear roadmap for their activities before the end of the legislative year.
“The exercise is expected to guide members on the specific laws they intend to review, the new bills they plan to originate within the House, and the capacity-building support required to ensure the highest legislative standards.”
Participants at the retreat are also expected to strengthen their legislative capacity and improve the effectiveness of the Assembly’s lawmaking and oversight responsibilities.
The event, themed “Strengthening democratic governance through constitutional reviews and budgetary oversight: The role of state legislatures,” features presentations from experts and resource persons drawn from various legislative institutions.