Executive Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Chief Bar. Sunday Basil Nwankwo, Attends 3rd Retreat of Law Review Committee
By Kelechi Ugo
The Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Barr. Sunday Basil Nwankwo, was in attendance at the 3rd Retreat of the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, a critical gathering aimed at overhauling the nation’s legal framework to align with current realities.
The retreat, part of a broader national reform agenda initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, promoting access to justice, and catalyzing socio-economic development through legal reform.
The high-level committee — made up of respected legal luminaries, including retired judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), and top officials from the Nigeria Law Reform Commission and the Federal Ministry of Justice — has been given a six-month timeline from its inauguration to deliver on its mandate.
Nigeria’s body of laws, last consolidated in 2004, has faced increasing criticism for being outdated, inconsistent, and in some cases, contradictory. The Committee is tasked with identifying obsolete and conflicting statutes, proposing harmonized legal frameworks, and ensuring the country’s laws reflect modern socio-economic realities and technological advancements.
According to participants, the review will prioritize:
- Repeal or amendment of outdated laws
- Harmonization of conflicting legal provisions
- Promotion of legal clarity and predictability
- Alignment with global best practices
The retreat also served as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of key institutions including the National Assembly, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, and the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, whose collaborative efforts are instrumental to the success of the initiative.
Chief Barr. Nwankwo, representing grassroots governance, reiterated the importance of legal reforms in driving local development, attracting investment, and enhancing justice delivery at all levels of government.
The Committee’s work is expected to significantly shape the future of legal governance in Nigeria, laying a stronger foundation for inclusive development and justice for all.
