The Lagos State Law Reform Commission (LAWRECOM) has commenced an audit of more than 250 state laws to identify obsolete provisions, legislative gaps, duplication and conflicting institutional mandates.
The exercise, supported technically by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), will produce an inventory of existing laws and a prioritised reform matrix to guide future legislation and government decisions.
Executive Secretary of LAWRECOM, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunlola, said the review was necessary to align Lagos laws with the state’s rapid economic growth, urbanisation, technological advancement, population growth and changing governance needs.
Ogunlola said some laws had remained on the statute book long after the circumstances that produced them had changed, including legislation dating to the Western Region era.
“Law reform cannot be undertaken in-depth without a proper audit,” she said, stressing the need for periodic reviews as social, economic, technological and governance realities evolve.
The audit will assess the relevance, coherence, enforceability and impact of existing laws, including areas of overlapping or unclear responsibilities among ministries, departments and agencies.
LAWRECOM said the findings would guide decisions on laws to retain, amend, consolidate, repeal or replace. The exercise will also draw on complaints and observations received through the Commission’s Reform Intelligence Desk.
The Commission said the audit is the diagnostic phase of a broader reform programme, with priority laws to undergo detailed review and consultation.
It added that a modernised legal framework would clarify institutional responsibilities, improve service delivery, protect citizens’ rights and provide greater certainty for residents, businesses and public institutions.
