Participants at Nigeria’s maiden Conference of All Law Reform Commissions have called for a review of the country’s legislative framework to devolve more powers to states, strengthen local government autonomy and address structural imbalances in the federal system.
The recommendations were contained in a communiqué issued after 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, 2026.
The participants advocated fiscal federalism, a review of the Exclusive Legislative List in favour of states and greater judicial autonomy under a framework of full judicial federalism.
The conference, themed “Consolidating Nigeria’s Democracy through Law Reform: Charting the Way Forward,” featured an opening address by Edo State Governor 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.
Calls for stronger local government autonomy
On local government administration, the participants urged reforms that would enable councils to discharge their constitutional responsibilities and exercise the autonomy affirmed by the Supreme Court.
They also called for effective accountability mechanisms to ensure that increased allocations to local governments translate into improved infrastructure and essential services, including healthcare, food and shelter.
The conference stressed that financial autonomy should produce measurable improvements in the lives of residents rather than remain a constitutional principle without corresponding development at the grassroots.
The recommendations come amid continuing national discussions over the implementation of local government financial autonomy following the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment affirming the constitutional independence of local councils and directing that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to them under the prescribed framework.
Law reform commissions seek stronger institutional support
The participants also called for adequate and sustainable funding, qualified personnel and modern infrastructure for law reform commissions across the country.
They argued that inadequate institutional support limits the ability of the commissions to conduct research, review outdated legislation and recommend changes that reflect contemporary social, economic and technological realities.
To address delays in the implementation of their recommendations, the conference 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.
The participants warned that failure to respond to the commissions’ proposals undermines the purpose of law reform and limits its potential contribution to national development.
The recommendations place emphasis not only on reviewing existing laws but also on creating a clearer process through which proposed reforms can receive official consideration.
Security, human rights and policing
On national security, the conference called for a balance between protecting the country and safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.
The communiqué maintained that executive measures taken in the interest of national security must remain subject to judicial scrutiny. It also urged civil society organisations to remain vigilant against human rights abuses allegedly committed under the guise of security operations.
Participants further advocated a coherent national intelligence-sharing system built around clearly defined mandates, inter-agency cooperation, accountability and digital readiness.
They also recommended reforms to police investigation procedures in line with international best practices, alongside stronger accountability mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.
The proposals highlight the relationship between effective security operations, institutional coordination and respect for constitutional rights.
Electoral disputes and education reform
The conference also called for electoral reforms aimed at resolving pre-election and post-election disputes before elections or inauguration, where applicable.
According to the communiqué, the proposed changes would help reduce prolonged litigation, improve certainty in the electoral process and ensure that electoral outcomes reflect voters’ decisions.
The participants also advocated 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.
At the end of the conference, the Chairman of the Edo State Law Reform Commission, Hon. Osikhena-Boih Donald, was appointed Pro Tem Chairman of the Forum of State Law Reform Commissions in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Prof. Donald Inegbedion, chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Donald; and Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN.
The recommendations now place the focus on how governments and legislatures will respond to calls for stronger federalism, accountable local government administration and a more effective law reform process.
