Anambra Assembly review of obsolete laws begins as lawmakers move to update military-era statutes and align state legislation with modern realities

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, on Thursday announced that the legislature has commenced the Anambra Assembly review of obsolete laws, targeting several statutes enacted during Nigeria’s military era that lawmakers say no longer reflect present realities.

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Udeze disclosed the development in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday while delivering his opening address at a four-day retreat for the leadership and members of the Eighth Assembly.

The Speaker said many laws still in force in Anambra State were derived from military decrees and were never properly domesticated within a democratic legal framework. Several others, Udeze noted, now conflict with international conventions ratified by Nigeria.

Udeze warned that the continued reliance on outdated statutes could weaken governance and limit the effectiveness of the state’s legal system.

“Some of the laws currently in force are obsolete and inconsistent with modern realities,” Udeze said, adding that a special committee had already been constituted to examine the statutes and recommend appropriate amendments or reforms.

According to Udeze, the Anambra Assembly review of obsolete laws will prioritise statutes relating to data protection, community development, environmental regulation and the rights of persons with disabilities.

The Speaker said several existing provisions also fail to align with the demands of a modern digital society, making legislative reform both urgent and necessary.

The retreat, he explained, was organised to enable lawmakers outline clear legislative priorities and develop a strategic roadmap for their activities before the end of the legislative year.

“The exercise will guide members on the specific laws they intend to review, the new bills they plan to originate within the House, and the capacity-building support required to ensure the highest legislative standards,” Udeze said.

Participants at the retreat are also expected to strengthen their legislative capacity and improve the Assembly’s lawmaking and oversight functions.

The programme, themed “Strengthening democratic governance through constitutional reviews and budgetary oversight: The role of state legislatures,” features presentations from resource persons drawn from various legislative institutions.