The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi, has commended his predecessor and current Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji PhD, for the remarkable reforms and achievements recorded during his tenure as Attorney General of the State from August 2023 to August 2024.
Barr. Danladi described Barr. Magaji PhD’s tenure as transformative, noting that it was characterized by groundbreaking initiatives that strengthened the administration of justice, promoted peace, and enhanced the professional capacity of law officers in the state.
Capacity Building and Professional Development
Approval was secured for lawyers in the Ministry of Justice to embark on feasibility and study visits to Lagos and Kano State Public Complaints & Anti-Corruption Commissions towards establishing the Nasarawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
50 magistrates were sponsored to attend the NBA Annual General Conference 2023 in Abuja.
Lawyers participated in national stakeholders’ forums, workshops, and trainings organized by reputable institutions such as the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), and the High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth.
Law officers benefited from international training opportunities, including a counter-terrorism financing workshop in Malta, Southern Europe.
In 2024, all lawyers in the Ministry and across MDAs were sponsored to attend the NBA Annual General Conference in Lagos, tagged “Pressing Forward – A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria.”
The Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference in Delhi, India also featured Nasarawa State, where Barr. Magaji PhD ensured the participation of key law officers.
Promotion of Rule of Law and Justice
The Ministry, under Barr. Magaji PhD, facilitated out-of-court settlements in critical disputes, such as between AIC Nigeria Limited and Nasarawa State.
The Attorney General chaired the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, leading to the release of 24 convicts deserving of clemency.
Approvals were secured for timely production and transmission of trial court records to appellate courts, strengthening judicial efficiency.
Support was extended to the Federal High Court’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and the NBA Lafia Branch Law Week, promoting synergy within the justice sector.
Peace and Conflict Resolution
Barr. Magaji PhD also contributed significantly through his participation in high-powered committees, including:
The resolution of land disputes between Akiri and Wuse Chiefdoms in Awe LGA.
The resolution of Bassa/Egbira disputes in Toto LGA.
The committee on the creation of additional chiefdoms, districts, and villages, as well as resolving other chieftaincy and territorial disputes.
Gender Inclusion and Social Justice
Female lawyers of the Ministry were sponsored to the 17th Women ICT Summit in Abuja.
Members of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), both public and private, attended their 2023 Annual General Conference in Edo State with government sponsorship.
These initiatives, according to Barr. Danladi, demonstrated Barr. Magaji PhD’s commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and protection of women and children’s rights.
Legislative and Policy Achievements
During his tenure, Barr. Magaji PhD spearheaded several executive orders, regulations, and laws, including:
Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 – Adoption of Framework for Responsible Investment in Land Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA).
Executive Order No. 4 of 2023 – Improvement of Efficiency and Effective Governance in Business Environment (NGREM).
Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 – Proscription of Ethnic Vigilante Groups.
Nasarawa State Water Supply and Sanitation Policy Law, 2024.
Regulation No. 1 of 2023 – Strengthening the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) Law 2020 and improving Public-Private Partnership frameworks.
Pending bills initiated under Barr. Magaji PhD’s leadership and currently before the State House of Assembly include:
1. Bill to establish the Nasarawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
2. Bill to make provision for Right of Way in Nasarawa State.
3. Bill to establish the Nasarawa State Adult and Non-Formal Education Agency.
4. Bill to create a Contributory Pension Scheme for public servants.
5. Bill to establish the Nasarawa State Education Development Trust Fund.
6. Bill to enact the Nasarawa State Broadcasting Service Law.
Institutional Strengthening
Bar practicing fees, stamps, seals, and subscriptions to Law Pavilion were paid for all law officers.
Staff attended trainings on strategic leadership, ethics, and policymaking at NIPSS Kuru, as well as security management workshops organized by the National Assembly Committee on Internal Security.
The Ministry of Justice Complex was renovated and furnished to create a more conducive working environment.
Commending these achievements, Barr. Isaac Danladi said Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji PhD “laid a solid foundation for the Justice sector in Nasarawa State, building structures that promote fairness, inclusiveness, and international best practices.”
He further assured that the Ministry under his watch will consolidate these gains to deepen justice delivery and ensure sustainable development in line with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s vision.
