Senate Confirms Dakas As Law Reform Commission Chairman

The Senate on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas as Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, alongside Dr. Uchenna Eugene Okolocha as Commissioner representing the South-South.

Naijaonpoint reports that the confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), during plenary.

The appointments were made pursuant to Section 2 (1) and (2) of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, 2022, which empowers the President to appoint a Chairman and three Commissioners, subject to Senate approval.

The committee report stated that only two of the three nominees, Professor Dakas and Dr. Okolocha, appeared for the screening held on June 25, 2025.

The third nominee, Professor Fatima Alkali, who hails from the North-East, reportedly declined the nomination and communicated her decision to the Presidency.

“Both nominees met all constitutional and professional requirements, demonstrated competence, and have no petitions or adverse security reports against them,” the committee stated.

The panel recommended that a new nominee from the North-East, preferably a woman, be considered to maintain regional and gender balance.

Senators took turns commending the qualifications of the nominees, particularly Professor Dakas, a former Attorney General of Plateau State and a renowned constitutional law expert.

The lawmaker representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who also participated in the debate, described Dakas’ academic and legal background as “intimidating,” adding, “Many of us in this chamber were his classmates and can attest to his brilliance and character.”

Senator Adebiade (Osun Central) echoed similar sentiments, urging the appointees to deliver on the Commission’s mandate to drive timely legal reforms in Nigeria.

Following the deliberation, the Senate unanimously confirmed the appointments of Professor Dakas (North-Central) as Chairman and Dr. Okolocha (South-South) as Commissioner.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Judiciary Committee for its diligence and praised the nominees for their accomplishments.

“We congratulate Professor Dakas and Dr. Okolocha on their confirmation and wish them fruitful service to the nation in good health and sound mind,” Akpabio said.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “thoughtful and merit-based nominations that reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s legal institutions.”

Naijaonpoint reports that the Nigerian Law Reform Commission plays a critical role in reviewing, modernising, and recommending changes to outdated laws in line with contemporary realities and global standards.