The federal government on Thursday 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 is 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.
Galaxy Television reports that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, while inaugurating the committee on behalf of the Federal Government asked the committee members to be meticulous in the execution of the task placed before them.
Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on identification of outdated laws which according to him, are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and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. The AGF also charged the Committee to work in synergy and exhibit patriotism, in the overall interest of the nation and expressed optimism to receiving the report and copies of the draft volumes of Laws of the Federation 2024.
He added that the review, update and consolidation of the Laws of the Federation, 2004 is long overdue in order to reflect and consolidate legislative developments from 2004 till date, in furtherance of the law development mandate of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Committee which is chaired by Mr. 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. They are also to prepare a comprehensive report of findings to the AGF thereafter and Perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.
