The Plateau State Government has reached a major milestone in its groundbreaking Law Reform Project, with the consultant leading the initiative presenting the first-phase report, marking a significant step in Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s desire to modernize and strengthen the legal framework of the state.
Speaking at the official presentation of the report, Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Philemon Audu Daffi, Esq. reaffirmed that law reform was one of the most urgent priorities for the administration.
“When we came into office, we knew we needed to overhaul our legal system to reflect present realities. The very first legislation we sent to the House of Assembly was the bill to establish the Plateau State Law Reform Commission. We acted with deliberate intent—and today, that bill has become law,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that the Law Reform Committee, housed in the Ministry of Justice, was set up shortly after the Commission’s establishment and that, recognizing funding limitations, government engaged a consultant to accelerate progress without losing time to budgetary constraints.
He added that since its inauguration in October 2024, the Committee and consultant have worked collaboratively to assess the state’s legal framework toward the making of a modern State that is anchored on the rule of law and guided by justice.
Daffi also revealed that the State has established an international partnership with the South African Law Reform Commission following his recent visit to South Africa with his counterparts from other States.
According to the Consultant, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, the first-phase report, which focuses on a comprehensive review and analysis of existing laws, provides a clear picture of the current legal landscape—highlighting gaps, outdated statutes, and areas in need of urgent reform.
The consultant praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, describing the initiative as “a landmark and beacon of light” and emphasized that the review phase was essential to understand “where we are,” before charting a course toward a more just and modern legal system.
“The aim is to strengthen the rule of law and promote a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable justice system,” he said.
Speaking further, Oyewo said that the report identified critical legislative gaps in areas such as disability protection, Christian pilgrim welfare, hotel regulation, railway governance, and correctional services, among others.
It also recommended significant legal reforms, including the introduction of minimum sentencing guidelines, plea bargaining mechanisms, non-custodial sentencing options, rehabilitation frameworks, and the updating of fines to reflect current realities.
He explained that Governor Mutfwang’s vision is not only focused on legal modernization but also on promoting fairness, justice, and rehabilitation.
According to the consultant, Plateau State is well-positioned to begin the second phase of the project, that is, the drafting of new and revised laws based on the findings of the initial review.
