Herein this article, we discussed 5 Nigerian law that needs urgent reform, The Nigerian Police Act (1943), The Penal Code and Criminal Code, The Land Use Act (1978), Electoral Act, The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999).
Introduction
Laws are meant to evolve with society. In Nigeria, however, many existing laws are outdated, unjust, or no longer reflect current realities. These legal relics, often remnants of colonial rule or early post-independence policy, continue to impact governance, justice, and human rights. As Nigeria progresses, reforming these laws is critical for achieving fairness, equity, and national development.
- The Nigerian Police Act (1943)
Why it needs reform:
Originally enacted during the colonial era, the Nigerian Police Act (before its partial amendment in 2020) has long been criticized for enabling abuse of power, lack of accountability, and militarization of the police force. Despite the 2020 amendment, many issues remain unresolved, particularly around community policing, operational transparency, and citizens’ rights during police interactions.
What needs to change:
. Full implementation of accountability mechanisms.
. More specific guidelines on use of force.
. Strengthening citizens’ rights during arrests and detentions.
- The Penal Code and Criminal Code
Why it needs reform:
Nigeria operates two major criminal law systems: the Penal Code (mainly in the North) and the Criminal Code (mainly in the South), both of which contain provisions that are inconsistent with modern human rights standards. For example, laws criminalizing attempted suicide, vagrancy, and consensual same-sex relationships are outdated and discriminatory.
What needs to change:
. Decriminalization of victimless offenses such as attempted suicide.
. Removal of laws that promote gender discrimination or violate privacy rights.
. Harmonization of criminal laws nationwide to ensure uniformity and fairness.
- The Land Use Act (1978)
Why it needs reform:
The Land Use Act vests all land in the state governors, creating significant bureaucracy and limiting private land ownership rights. It has hindered economic development by making land acquisition for investment and housing difficult.
What needs to change:
. Decentralize control of land to allow community and individual ownership.
. Simplify land titling and registration processes.
. Enhance legal protection for rural landholders and indigenous communities.
- Electoral Act
Why it needs reform:
While the 2022 Electoral Act introduced welcome improvements like the use of electronic transmission of results, further reforms are necessary to ensure transparency, eliminate vote-buying, and empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce electoral discipline effectively.
What needs to change:
. Stiffer penalties for electoral fraud and violence.
. Better regulation of campaign financing and political advertising.
. Legal clarity on the internal democracy of political parties.
- The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999)
Why it needs reform:
Often described as a “military constitution,” the 1999 Constitution was not the product of a truly democratic process. It centralizes too much power at the federal level and does not adequately reflect Nigeria’s diversity or federal character.
What needs to change:
. True constitutional restructuring to give more autonomy to states.
. Clearer provisions for local government autonomy.
. Gender equality and social justice provisions need to be strengthened.
Nigeria stands at a legal crossroads. While economic reforms and development plans are crucial, they will achieve little without a legal system that reflects the values of justice, equality, and democracy. Reforming these outdated laws is not just a legal necessity — it’s a moral imperative.