Outrage Or Optimism? Nigerians React To Fapohunda’s Appointment Amid Calls For Legal Reform!

Outrage Or Optimism? Nigerians React To Fapohunda’s Appointment Amid Calls For Legal Reform!

The Federal Government has established a working group tasked with reviewing the Laws of the Federation to update and propose new legislation aimed at advancing the nation’s development in various sectors. This announcement was made by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), during the ceremony marking the commencement of the 2024/2025 Legal Year.

Fagbemi highlighted the necessity of adapting Nigeria’s legal framework to address both current national and global challenges. He stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is aware of the concerns regarding the status of our laws and the urgent need for their review. It is clear that our laws must evolve in response to recent developments, both domestically and internationally. Our ambition to achieve rapid progress in all areas of socio-economic and political life necessitates enabling and empowering legislation. This is why the Federal Government has formed a working group to review the Laws of the Federation.”

Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), a former Attorney General of Ekiti State, has been appointed to lead this working group. Fapohunda is renowned for his contributions to justice sector reforms at both state and federal levels, having played a pivotal role in the enactment of several transformative laws. These include the Judicial Remuneration Act, which raised judicial officers’ salaries by 300%, along with other significant legal reforms like the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Police Act.

The last comprehensive review of the nation’s laws was conducted in 2004. In expressing gratitude to Fapohunda and the other members of the working group for their readiness to serve, the Attorney General reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a revised and updated legal framework by the beginning of the 2025 Legal Year.