The Committee for the Review, Update, and Consolidation of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria has successfully reviewed a total of 737 federal laws, as part of its sweeping efforts to modernize and harmonize the nation’s legal framework.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, during the second retreat of the committee held in Abuja. Mr. Fapohunda, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, highlighted that while 737 laws have been fully reviewed, 697 laws are currently undergoing further scrutiny, and 40 others remain pending for future consideration.
Speaking at the retreat, Fapohunda emphasized that the committee’s task was not only technical but central to the broader goal of enhancing access to justice, improving legal clarity, and promoting good governance.
“We have constituted 14 specialized working groups within the committee, each tasked with reviewing specific clusters of laws. This retreat serves as a platform to collectively address challenges, share progress, and craft solutions that will ensure we submit a comprehensive draft to the Attorney-General of the Federation by September 2025,” Fapohunda noted.
A Legacy of Legal Service: Who is Olawale Fapohunda?
Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, is a seasoned legal practitioner and reform advocate, well known for his commitment to access to justice, human rights, and institutional strengthening within Nigeria’s legal landscape.
Prior to his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he served with distinction as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State, where he championed several progressive legal reforms including the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the establishment of a robust Victims’ Rights Office, and the introduction of citizen-centered justice initiatives.
Fapohunda’s professional career also includes deep involvement with civil society and legal development, particularly through his leadership roles at the Legal Resources Consortium and the Nigerian Bar Association’s Law Reform Committee.
His reputation for transparency, consultative leadership, and reform-minded focus has positioned him as an ideal figure to lead this critical assignment of reviewing and updating the Laws of the Federation.
A Collective National Assignment
Addressing the committee members during the retreat, Fapohunda stressed the inclusive and consultative approach adopted in the review process, underscoring the committee’s openness to collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the legal community, and other stakeholders.
“Our approach has been deliberately inclusive and transparent. We recognize that these laws will shape how Nigerians engage with government, businesses, and each other. The confidence of the public in the legal system depends on the clarity and modern relevance of our laws,” he said.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the committee for its commitment and sacrifices. He described the retreat as a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing law reform efforts, highlighting the essential role the updated laws will play in governance and nation-building.
“The task before this committee is both national and historic. The outcome of your work will have a direct impact on individuals, institutions, and the broader society.
This initiative will modernize, consolidate, and harmonize Nigeria’s federal statutes to better serve the present and future generations,” Fagbemi stated.
Also delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Toyin Badejogbon, a representative of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, emphasized the importance of the committee’s work in advancing legislative clarity and improving access to justice.
He stressed that updated and consolidated laws would be a vital tool not only for the judiciary but also for researchers, civil society, and ordinary Nigerians seeking legal redress.
Background on the Committee’s Mandate
The Committee for the Review, Update, and Consolidation of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria was inaugurated in October 2024. Its terms of reference include:
- Coordinating the collection, collation, and compilation of all federal laws up to 2024.
- Collaborating with relevant government agencies to harmonize and verify the Laws of the Federation.
- Identifying and updating laws omitted from the 2004 edition of the Laws of the Federation.
- Recommending the repeal of outdated or redundant statutes.
- Merging overlapping laws addressing related subject matters to eliminate duplication and promote legislative coherence.
This sweeping reform effort marks one of the most ambitious undertakings to modernize Nigeria’s federal statutes since the publication of the last official Laws of the Federation in 2004.
As the committee works towards its September 2025 submission deadline, legal professionals and citizens alike anticipate a more coherent, accessible, and modern body of federal law capable of supporting Nigeria’s evolving democracy and justice system.
