By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
Federal government on Thursday, inaugurated a committee of law experts from various fields to review, update and consolidate archaic laws within six months.
The initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing the rule of law and promoting socio-economic growth.
Inaugurating the committee, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) asked members of the committee 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Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on identification of outdated laws which, according to him, are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonisation of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and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 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 the 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“The expected key areas of focus for the committee in the instant exercise are identification of outdated laws that are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonisation of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.
“This is with a view to attract socio-economic growth and investment, promote efficiency and adapt 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 realise 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,” the AGF said.
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, has, as terms of reference, “coordinate the collection, collation and compilation of LFN up to 2024, work with relevant government agencies in harmonising the Laws of the Federation up to 2024 and cross-check, edit and proof-read all the legislations to be collected.
“Identify all legislations not included in the 2004 edition of the Laws of the Feferation and update same, identify outdated or redundant laws in the current Laws of the federatiom that need repeal and merge laws addressing related matters to eliminate redundancy among others.”
The AGF also charged the committee to work in synergy and exhibit patriotism in the overall interest of the nation and expressed optimism to receive the report and copies of the draft volumes of Laws of the Federation 2024 in line with the wish of the federal government.
