- The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), inaugurated a committee to review and update outdated Nigerian laws
- The committee is responsible for harmonising and proofreading existing laws, identifying outdated or redundant ones for repeal, and merging laws with overlapping purposes
- AGF Fagbemi emphasised the need for an updated legal framework to boost socio-economic growth, investment, and technological advancement
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), inaugurated a committee of law experts on October 24 to review and update outdated Nigerian laws.
He described this as a step towards promoting the rule of law and access to justice in the country.
The AGF noted that while the law is constantly dynamic and evolving, it has been an issue of concern to him how the federation laws have not been updated since 2004.
Fagbemi stated this in Abuja in his remarks at the committee's inauguration for the review, update, and consolidation of the laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
He noted that the committee, chaired by Mr Olawale Fapohunda (SAN) and co-chaired by the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Prof Jummai Audi, will, within four months, “coordinate the collection, collation, and compilation of the LFN up to 2024.”
He added that the committee will “work with relevant government agencies in harmonising the LFN up to 2024, cross-check, edit, and proofread all the legislations to be collected.
“Identify all legislations not included in the 2004 edition of the LFN and update the same; identify outdated or redundant laws in the current LFN that need repeal.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 and thereafter, perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.”
The AGF charged the committee with identifying outdated laws that did not align with contemporary needs and values.
He also urged them to harmonise conflicting laws to ensure uniformity and consistency.
He said the task assigned them 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.”
Fagbemi added, “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 since 2004 to enable clarity, predictability, consistency and uniformity in our body of laws.
“You are all aware that the general purpose of the law is to protect the 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 (corpus juris) to address contemporary socio-economic developments and resolve conflicting and obsolete provisions with the ultimate aim of improving the administration of justice and promotion of the 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.”
Fagbemi stressed that exercise was necessary for socio-economic growth and investment, as it promoted efficiency and helped people adapt to technological advancements.
He charged the committee to work in unity and exhibit patriotism in the nation's overall interest during the assigned task.
Stating that he had realised there was much work to be done, he thanked the committee for accepting the challenging task.
He stated further that the committee was intentionally formed with individuals possessing extensive professional experience and technical expertise in various areas of the justice sector.
Fagbemi expressed gratitude to the committee members for accepting the call to serve the nation in this role, particularly acknowledging the support from the leadership of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Law Reform Commission, and the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies.
He assured the ministry would consistently provide institutional support and assistance to help the committee achieve its mandate.
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