AGF Announced FG Plans to Conduct a Comprehensive Evaluation of Nigeria’s Laws to Better Address the Nation’s Evolving Needs
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday, hinted that plans were underway to commence the most holistic review of the laws of the federation ever seen in the history of Nigeria.
The AGF disclosed this after he was conferred with an honorary doctoral degree at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
He said, “We have assembled a team of legal luminaries to achieve this within a limited time frame. This law review intervention will cut across all aspects of our social, economic and political life.”
Fagbemi also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also expressed similar concerns with Aare Afe Babalola on the matter of our laws.
He said the duo always stressed the need to ensure that the laws of the federation respond to the daily needs of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“It is for this reason that we are now about to commence the most holistic review of the laws of the federation ever seen in the history of Nigeria.
“One ongoing concern, before I took office, was the poor remuneration of judicial officers. I am again pleased to report that a major intervention of the Tinubu administration in the judiciary is the recent 300% upward review of the remuneration of judicial officers in Nigeria across board. To be sure, I can confirm that the implementation of this new remuneration package has begun in earnest. This is an important first step in recognition of our collective desire to strengthen our judiciary.
“As we speak, this morning, the foundation has already been laid for the quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“I should also add that in furtherance of our determination that the FMOJ (Federal Ministry of Justice) is not only seen as a law and justice institution, but also sensitive to the needs of Nigerians, we have prioritised public interest litigation. We are humbled by national accolades we received arising from the manner we handled the local government autonomy matter.
“This is our modest contribution to the strengthening of our federation and invariably our democracy. We hope to pursue additional matters under our public interest litigation programme. Specifically, we are focusing on our criminal justice system. The increasing number of persons on remand in our custodial centres is not acceptable.
“These are a few of the highlights of the intervention of my office in the justice sector.
“Nothing I have said should be misconstrued to mean that we have all the solutions or that we have it all figured out. Achieving a justice system that works in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians will not happen overnight. It will be a long and painstaking process. I have often stated that our approach to reforms in the sector will not be dogmatic. Under my watch, we will welcome suggestions and constructive criticisms. As long as they are all aimed at taking us closer to a more perfect justice system.”
He used the opportunity to commend the management of ABUAD
“One can not always but marvel at the audacity behind the undertaking of ABUAD. This university is a constant reminder of what is possible in this country when men and women of good will insist that we will settle for nothing but the best. Translating a vision of educational excellence into reality is no mean feat.
“Education is the bedrock of societal progress. The impact of a university like this—its commitment to developing young minds and equipping them with the tools to navigate and transform the world—cannot be overstated”, Fagbemi said.
