The Federal Government has repealed 268 outdated laws following a comprehensive review of 932 federal laws, as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s legal system and remove regulations that are no longer relevant.
The exercise also identified 664 other laws requiring further review, with the government looking to harmonise existing legislation and make the country’s legal framework more effective.
The review is expected to address outdated provisions, eliminate conflicting laws and make it easier for government institutions, businesses and citizens to understand and comply with existing regulations.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, explained that the last official consolidation of Nigeria’s federal laws took place in 2004, making the latest exercise the first major update in more than two decades.
The committee also discovered that some statutory fines and feeswere still as low as ₦10 and ₦50, despite the significant changes in the country’s economic situation over the years.
The committee recommended the creation of a centralised digital platform where Nigerians, lawyers and government institutions can easily access updated federal laws.
The final report and proposed 20-volume edition of the Laws of the Federation will be presented to President Bola Tinubu for onward transmission to the National Assembly for consideration and necessary legislative action.
The government says the exercise is aimed at strengthening the justice system, improving governance and ensuring that Nigerian laws reflect present-day realities.
