Federal Ministry of Justice (Nigeria) explained

The Federal Ministry of Justice is the legal arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria, primarily concerned with bringing cases before the judiciary that are initiated or assumed by the government.^[1] The headquarters of the organisation are located in the Maitama district, Abuja.^[2]

Organisation

It is headed by the Attorney General of the federation who also serves as the Minister of Justice. The Attorney General is appointed by the President, and is assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who is a career civil servant. As of August 2023, the Attorney General is Lateef Fagbemi.^[3]

Different departments in the ministry are responsible for the following:

• Public prosecution
• Citizens rights
• Law reporting
• Finance and administration
• Planning, research and statistics
• Legal drafting
• International and comparative law
• Civil litigation
• Solicitors
• Human resource management
• Procurement

List of ministers

^[4]

• Taslim Elias, CFR, GCON (1960–1966)
• G.I.M Onyiuke, SAN (1 March 1966 – 29 July 1966)
• Nabo Graham-Douglas (1966–1972)
• Dan Onuorah Ibekwe (1972–1975)
• Augustine Nnamani, CON (1975-1979)
• Richard Akinjide, SAN (1979–1983)
• Kehinde Sofola, SAN (October 1983–December 1983)
• Chike Ofodile, SAN (1984–August 1985)
• Bola Ajibola, SAN (12 September 1985–4 December 1991)
• Clement Akpamgbo, SAN (1991–1993)
• Olu Onagoruwa^[5] (1993–1994)
• Michael Ashikodi Agbamuche, SAN (1994–1997)
• Achiji Abdullahi Ibrahim, OFR, SAN (1997–May 1999)
• Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN (June 1999–January 2000)
• Bola Ige, SAN (3 January 2000–23 December 2001)
• Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN (2002–2003)
• Akin Olujimi, SAN (July 2003–July 2005)
• Bayo Ojo, SAN, FCI ARB, (UK) (July 2005–July 2007)
• Michael Aondoakaa, SAN (26 July 2007–10 February 2010)
• Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN (10 February 2010–17 March 2010)
• Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, CFR (6 April 2010– 29 May 2011)
• Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, CFR (2 July 2011– May 2015)
• Abubakar Malami, SAN (11 November 2015–29 May 2023)
• Lateef Fagbemi, SAN (21 August 2023-present)

See also

• Politics of Nigeria
• Federal Ministries of Nigeria
• Justice ministry
• Nigerian Civil Service

Notes and References

1. Web site: CORE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY. www.justice.gov.ng. en-GB. 2018-06-23.
2. Web site: Federal Ministry of Justice contact information.
3. Web site: UPDATED: New AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, assumes office . Ameh. Ejekwonyilo. 21 August 2023 . Premium Times Limited . 26 August 2023 . Premium Times.
4. Web site: Past Attorney General of the Federation. www.justice.gov.ng. en-GB. 2018-06-23.
5. News: Nigeria's Former Attorney General Olu Onagoruwa Is Dead Sahara Reporters. siteadmin. 2017-07-21. Sahara Reporters. 2018-06-23.