FG Moves to Review Obsolete Laws, Inaugurates 46-Man Committee
The Federal Government, on Thursday, inaugurated a 46-man committee which it charged with the responsibility of identifying and reviewing all the outdated laws in the country.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who constituted the committee comprising retired judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, as well as top officials of both the Nigeria Law Reform Commission and the Federal Ministry of Justice, said they have a timeframe of six months to complete the national assignment.
He described the task as a part of ongoing efforts of the administration 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.
He said: “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 law is to protect public interest, regulate human behaviour and interactions between corporate entities.
“The law is constantly dynamic and evolving, hence, there is need for continuous review or reform of our body of laws (corpus juris), to address contemporary socio-economic developments, resolve conflicting and obsolete provisions with the ultimate aim of improving the administration of justice and promotion of rule of law.
“As you are aware, the review, update and consolidation of the Laws of the Federation, 2004 is long overdue in order 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.
“The expected key areas of focus for the Committee in the instant exercise are identification of outdated laws which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.
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“This is with a view to attracting socio-economic growth and investment, promoting efficiency and adapting to technological advancements.
“This Committee has been deliberately set up with individuals with vast professional experience and technical expertise in various aspects of the justice sector.
“I realize that there is a lot of work to be done and I would like to thank you all for accepting the call to serve our nation in this capacity.
“Let me particularly express gratitude to the leadership of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Law Reform Commission and Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, for also supporting this initiative.
“Please be assured that the Ministry will always be available to provide institutional support and assistance where required, in order to ensure that the Committee achieves its mandate.”
The AGF added that the terms of reference of 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, included, to: “Coordinate the collection, collation and compilation of LFN up to 2024.
“Work with relevant Government Agencies in harmonizing the LFN up to 2024. Cross check, edit and proof-read all the legislations to be collected.
“Identify all Legislations not included in the 2004 edition of the LFN and update 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 thereafter and to perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.
“I enjoin the Committee to make best efforts to deliver within the stated timeline.
“As I inaugurate this Committee today, I am quite hopeful and earnestly looking forward to receiving the report of this Committee and copies of the draft volumes of Laws of the Federation 2024,” the AGF stated.
On her part, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, while enjoining members of the community to undertake the assignment with sense of patriotism, noted that some laws that have not been reviewed for the past 20 years, have become archaic.
