The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, affirmed that the Federal Government is taking pragmatic steps to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy, aiming for practical and human-centred solutions.
Fagbemi made this statement at the Body of Attorneys-General (BOSAG) Conference in Abuja on Thursday, addressing challenges and efforts following the July 11 ruling.
Responding to remarks from Nasarawa State Attorney-General, Mr. Labaran Magaji, Fagbemi emphasized that the court’s decision was intended to strengthen, not disrupt, Nigeria’s governance system.
He noted, “Since the judgment, we have focused on practical steps, rather than unilateral directives, to ensure the policy’s smooth adoption. This approach serves the broader interest of our nation.”
Magaji highlighted difficulties in implementing autonomy across Nigeria’s 36 states and expressed hope for coordinated solutions, emphasizing the need for unified action to prevent counterproductive efforts.
He acknowledged ongoing reforms at the state level and expressed optimism for collaborative progress under Fagbemi’s leadership.
Fagbemi commended BOSAG’s role in harmonizing national policies that enhance justice delivery, citing the National Policy on Justice and the National Policy on Arbitration.
“These policies are foundational for justice sector reforms, aiming for fair, accountable, and transparent justice administration nationwide,” he stated, lauding the recent approval of the National Policy on Arbitration by the Federal Executive Council.
Fagbemi underscored the importance of continued cooperation among state Attorneys-General to drive the reforms and avoid unnecessary litigation, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice sector.
