Nigeria’s Legal Landscape To Change As Lawmakers Seek To Separate AGF And Justice Minister Roles

This bill, co-sponsored by Mansur Soro (representing the Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State) and Oluwole Oke (from Osun), both members of the Peoples Democratic Party, is currently under review by the House Committee on Constitution Review, which is chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The bill aims to amend Section 150 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by introducing a new sub-section 1. The proposed amendment states that, “There shall be an Attorney-General of the Federation, who shall serve as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, separate from the person holding the position of Minister of Justice. The Attorney-General will be appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation.”

Additionally, the bill proposes the introduction of a new sub-section to Section 195 of the Constitution. This new sub-section would state, “There shall be an Attorney-General for each State, who shall serve as the Chief Law Officer of the State and will be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly.”

Explaining the purpose of the bill, Soro stated, “The aim is to improve efficiency in the administration of criminal justice, protect the public interest, and prevent the abuse of legal processes in public prosecutions at both federal and state levels.”

He added, “The Minister of Justice at the federal level and State Commissioners of Justice are often seen as political advisors, providing legal counsel to cabinets and overseeing justice policy. In contrast, the Attorney-General is responsible for representing the federal or state government in legal matters, overseeing prosecutions, and advising on draft legislation and agreements under consideration. The Attorney-General should be an impartial law officer of the government.”