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The Senate has ratified the appointment of Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas as the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission and Dr. Uchenna Eugene Okolocha as the Commissioner representing the South-South.
This confirmation took place on Tuesday after the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, led by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), presented a report.
The report was discussed and accepted during the Committee of the Whole session.
The committee noted that the appointments were in accordance with Section 2 (1) and (2) of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, 2022, which allows the President to designate a chairman and three commissioners with Senate approval.
Appointees are expected to be experienced legal professionals, distinguished scholars, or individuals who have served in senior judicial positions.
During the screening on June 25, 2025, two of the three nominees—Professor Dakas and Dr. Okolocha—appeared before the committee, while the third nominee, Professor Fatima Alkali from the North East, declined the nomination and notified the Presidency.
The committee's report confirmed that both nominees fulfilled all professional and legal criteria, had the necessary experience and integrity, and did not have any petitions or negative security evaluations against them.
Additionally, it suggested that a new female nominee from the North East be appointed to promote regional and gender balance.
Senators, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Adebiade, praised the nominees' qualifications, with Oshiomhole describing Professor Dakas' credentials as “intimidating” and noting that he and several others had been classmates with the nominee, whom they respected highly.
After the discussions, the Senate unanimously affirmed Professor Dakas (North Central) as Chairman and Dr. Okolocha (South-South) as Commissioner.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Judiciary Committee for its comprehensive work and congratulated the appointees, expressing trust in their ability to implement significant legal reforms throughout the nation.
"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 stated.
The Senate also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it termed as “thoughtful and merit-based nominations that align with Nigeria’s governance and legal reform priorities.”
