Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 46-member committee tasked with identifying and reviewing outdated laws in Nigeria.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led the inauguration, explaining that the committee, which includes retired judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and officials from the Nigeria Law Reform Commission and the Federal Ministry of Justice, has six months to complete its work.
Fagbemi described this initiative as a crucial part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to promote the rule of law and improve access to justice.
He noted the importance of updating the country’s laws to ensure clarity, predictability, and consistency.
“I have always been concerned about our seeming inability to update the Laws of the Federation since 2004,” Fagbemi said.
“The law is constantly dynamic and evolving, hence, there is a need for continuous review to address contemporary socio-economic developments and improve the administration of justice.”
The committee will focus on identifying outdated laws, harmonising conflicting provisions, and adapting legal frameworks to modern needs.
The chairman of the committee, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, and co-chair Professor Jummai Audi of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, are expected to work with relevant government agencies to update the Laws of the Federation up to 2024.
“I enjoin the Committee to make best efforts to deliver within the stated timeline,” Fagbemi said, expressing optimism for the completion of the work.
Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, urged the committee to carry out its assignment with a sense of patriotism, noting that many laws have not been reviewed in over 20 years and have become outdated.