The federal government has inaugurated a high-powered committee of legal experts tasked with reviewing, updating, and consolidating outdated Nigerian laws. The committee, launched on Thursday in Abuja, has been given a six-month timeline to complete its assignment.
This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to promote the rule of law and ensure access to justice while advancing legal reforms for socio-economic growth. Speaking on behalf of the government, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, emphasized the importance of modernizing Nigeria’s legal framework.
Fagbemi urged the committee members to be thorough in identifying laws that no longer align with current societal needs. “The law is constantly dynamic and evolving,” Fagbemi noted, adding that “there is a need for continuous review or reform of our body of laws to address contemporary socio-economic developments.”
He expressed concern over the lack of updates to the Laws of the Federation since 2004 and highlighted the need for clarity, predictability, and uniformity in Nigeria’s legal system. The AGF also emphasized the harmonization of conflicting laws to promote efficiency, attract investment, and adapt to technological advancements.
The committee is chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olawale Fapohunda, with Professor Jummai Audi, Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, as co-chair. The key tasks assigned to the committee include coordinating the collection and updating of the Laws of the Federation, identifying outdated or redundant laws for repeal, and preparing a comprehensive report of their findings.
Fagbemi assured the committee of the federal government’s full support and encouraged them to exhibit patriotism in the overall interest of the nation. The AGF expects to receive the report and updated laws by the end of the six-month period.
