By Kenneth Atavti
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.
Inaugurating the Committee on behalf of the federal government, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, 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Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on identification of outdated laws which according to him, are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and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.
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 (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“The expected key areas of focus for the Committee in the instant exercise are identification of outdated laws which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.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.
“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.