Nigeria: Gov Nwifuru, Fagbemi, others back law reform
By Amarachukwu Egwu-Agha, Abakaliki
Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has lend his voice strongly for the demand for urgent reform of the Laws of the Federation.
He disclosed this during the third retreat of the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The committee inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024, is charged with reviewing over 757 Acts and 753 subsidiary legislations to eliminate redundancy, consolidate statutes, and align the legal framework with democratic and economic needs.
Nwifuru however warned that Nigeria risks stagnation if it continues to rely on obsolete laws last consolidated in 2004, despite sweeping political, economic, and technological changes.
“Every society is measured by the strength of its law. We cannot carry yesterday’s law into tomorrow’s challenges. To govern effectively, our legal framework must speak to today’s realities and anticipate the needs of the future,” the governor said.
The governor noted that every clause refined and every statute revised would have a direct bearing on the nation’s democratic survival and chard the committee to be just in discharging their duties.
“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.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), underscored the significance of the exercise and described it as vital for good governance and the survival of democracy.
He noted that obsolete laws frustrate justice delivery, discourage investment, and weaken public trust in institutions.
“Modernizing our legal framework, eliminating outdated statutes, and ensuring accessibility of the law will not only strengthen democracy but also enhance the ease of doing business and align Nigeria with its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,” Fagbemi said.
He commended Ebonyi for reforms such as its Charter of Justice initiative and digitization of court processes, describing the state as a model in justice sector transformation.
On his part, Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ben Odoh, assured the committee of the full backing of state counterparts, revealing that no fewer than 30 Attorneys-General attended the retreat to show 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 said.
Committee Chairman, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), disclosed that 641 Acts have already been concluded in the review process, with redundant provisions marked for deletion. He stressed that the retreat would finalize modalities for producing the revised 2025 edition of the Laws of the Federation.
