The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has called for the review the laws of the Federal Capital Territory to meet up with the present reality of the growth and development of Abuja.
He made this call on Tuesday when the Ag. Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja.
Malam Bello lamented that most of the laws in the Federal Capital Territory have become obsolete, thereby making the running of the Abuja city centre very difficult.
The Minister reiterated that FCTA needs the review of these laws dearly to make it more stringent to enable it effectively cope with the influx of people into the Territory.
According to him, when the laws are more stringent, offenders are made to face the consequences of their actions or inactions thereby serving as deterrent.
The Minister frowned at a situation where law breakers in the FCT are for instance, given N2,000 option of fine which can easily be paid on the spot; adding that the development and growth of Abuja ought to be matched with vibrant laws that are stringent enough to deter offenders.
His words: “The penalty in FCT laws are not in tandem with the reality of our time and therefore not serving as deterrent as it is supposed to be.”
The Minister remarked that the FCT laws ought to be reviewed to help, guide and assist city managers; noting that Abuja is the only city in the federation that is a product of law and should be well guided by the law to function well.
Malam Bello praised the efforts of the Commission; saying “FCT Administration values and will support any institution that adds value to the well-being of the society”.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reforms Commission, Mr. Kefas Musa Magaji said that every law needs to be reviewed every ten years to conform with the present reality as there is no way the society will move forward when the laws are still backwards.
He recalled that the Commission last reviewed the FCT laws in 2006 and that such laws are due for further re-evaluation to conform with the time.
