Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Participants at the maiden Conference of All Law Reform Commissions in Nigeria have called for constitutional and legislative reforms to devolve more powers to states, strengthen local government autonomy and address structural imbalances in the country’s federal system.
The recommendations were contained in a communiqué released on Friday following the two-day conference hosted by the Edo State Law Reform Commission at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City from September 28 to 29.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Prof. Donald Inegbedion, and the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN.
Held under the theme, “Consolidating Nigeria’s Democracy through Law Reform: Charting the Way Forward,” the conference featured an opening address by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, was represented by Wale Fapohunda, SAN, who delivered the keynote address.
The participants advocated fiscal federalism, a review of the Exclusive Legislative List to expand state responsibilities and full judicial federalism to strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance.
On local government administration, they called for reforms that would enable councils to discharge their constitutional duties and exercise the autonomy affirmed by the Supreme Court. They also stressed the need for accountability mechanisms to ensure that increased allocations translate into better infrastructure and essential services, including healthcare, food and shelter.
The communiqué stated that financial autonomy at the grassroots must produce measurable improvements in citizens’ welfare rather than remain a constitutional provision without corresponding benefits.
On national security and human rights, the participants called for a balance between protecting the country and safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights. They maintained that executive actions taken in the interest of national security should remain subject to judicial scrutiny and urged civil society organisations to monitor potential human rights abuses during security operations.
They also advocated a coordinated national intelligence-sharing system based on clearly defined responsibilities, inter-agency cooperation, accountability and digital readiness. Reforms to police investigation procedures in line with international best practices were also recommended to strengthen accountability within law enforcement agencies.
The conference further called for adequate and sustainable funding, qualified personnel and modern infrastructure for law reform commissions nationwide. Participants said these institutions needed sufficient resources to conduct research, review existing legislation and propose laws that reflect changing social and economic realities.
To address delays in implementing their recommendations, they proposed a legal framework requiring the executive and legislative arms of government to consider and act on reports submitted by law reform commissions within specified time frames. They warned that prolonged inaction could undermine the effectiveness of law reform and its contribution to national development.
On electoral reforms, the participants called for measures to ensure that pre-election and post-election disputes are resolved before elections or inauguration, where applicable. They said timely resolution of electoral litigation would reduce prolonged legal battles, provide certainty and help ensure that electoral outcomes reflect voters’ decisions.
The conference also recommended a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s tertiary education curriculum to incorporate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, in response to developments associated with the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
