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Moses Nwite, Abakaliki
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Francis Nwifuru, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and other top legal minds have renewed the call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s legal framework.
They made the call during the third retreat of the Committee for the Review of the Laws of Nigeria.
Declaring the retreat open in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, Governor Nwifuru said: “Every society is measured by the strength of its law. To govern effectively, our legal framework must speak to today’s realities and anticipate the needs of the future.”
Governor Nwifuru reminded participants of the weight of their assignment.
“History will judge this committee not only by the pages of the revised laws but by the impact those laws will have on justice, democracy, and development,” he declared.
The review committee, inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024, is mandated to examine 757 Acts and 753 subsidiary legislations with the aim of eliminating redundancies, consolidating statutes, and modernising the legal system to meet democratic and economic demands.
The Attorney General of the Federation described the review as a decisive step for good governance and the survival of democracy.
“Modernising our legal framework, eliminating outdated statutes, and ensuring accessibility of the law will not only strengthen democracy but also enhance the ease of doing business and align Nigeria with its international obligations,” he said.
Fagbemi commended Ebonyi State for pioneering reforms such as its Charter of Justice and digitisation of court processes, noting that the state had become a model in justice sector transformation.
Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ben Odoh, pledged the support of state counterparts, adding that over 30 Attorneys-General attended the retreat in solidarity.
“As we return to our states, we will replicate this reform process at the sub-national level. Be rest assured that every support needed to make this work succeed will be provided,” Odoh affirmed.
Committee Chairman, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), revealed that 641 Acts had already undergone review, with redundant provisions identified for deletion.
He explained that the retreat would finalise modalities for producing the revised 2025 edition of the Laws of the Federation.
Speakers including the co-chairman of the committee, Dakas C.J Dakas, repeatedly emphasised that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the relevance, clarity, and accessibility of its laws.
The retreat continues in Abakaliki, with deliberations expected to harmonise draft revisions and lay the groundwork for a consolidated legal framework that, according to stakeholders, could redefine Nigeria’s justice system for decades to come.
Hauwa Abu