The federal government has inaugurated a committee of legal experts to review and update some archaic Nigerian laws within six months.
The law review and update is part of ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote the rule of law and access to justice in line with the policy objectives of the administration’s socio-economic growth and development inititiatives.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while inaugurating the committee, Thursday in Abuja, asked the 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Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on identification of outdated laws, which according to him, are not in tandem with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonisation of conflicting laws to ensure uniformity and consistency.
“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 (LFN) 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 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“The expected key areas of focus for the Committee in the instant exercise are identification of outdated laws which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.
“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,” he said.
The committee is headed by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, as chairman, while the chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Professor Jummai Audi is to co-chair.