An Abuja-based law firm, The Law Corridor, has called on the National Assembly to abolish the statutory requirement for the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before judgment creditors can initiate garnishee proceedings against public funds in circumstances covered by Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.
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The firm argued that Nigerians who successfully obtain court judgments against government institutions should not be subjected to prolonged delays and additional administrative obstacles before enjoying the benefits of their legal victories.
The Managing Partner of The Law Corridor, Mr Henry Kelechukwu Eniotu, made the call on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a media parley in Abuja, where he also advocated reforms in electoral administration, mental health legislation and access to justice.
Eniotu maintained that the continued requirement for executive consent in certain judgment enforcement proceedings could frustrate successful litigants, weaken confidence in the judicial system and diminish the practical value of court judgments.
He explained that individuals and businesses that obtain monetary judgments against government institutions often encounter further difficulties when attempting to enforce those decisions.
According to him, some judgment creditors spend years pursuing payment, while inflation reduces the real value of the judgment sums and businesses suffer financial losses arising from delayed enforcement.
The lawyer argued that a successful litigant should not be compelled to depend on the discretionary approval of an executive official before taking lawful steps to enforce a subsisting court judgment.
He referred to the Supreme Court’s decision in Central Bank of Nigeria v. Lidan Engineering Limited & Others, which clarified the application of the Attorney-General’s consent requirement to garnishee proceedings involving funds held by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to Eniotu, the judgment established that the CBN’s position as banker to government does not automatically trigger the consent requirement merely because the funds involved belong to a public institution.
He, however, maintained that the broader provisions of Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act continued to create opportunities for delays in the enforcement of monetary judgments against government institutions.
The Managing Partner therefore urged the National Assembly to undertake legislative reforms that would eliminate unnecessary obstacles to judgment enforcement while preserving appropriate judicial safeguards.
He noted that government institutions already have access to established legal procedures, including appeals and applications for stays of execution, where they have legitimate grounds to challenge judgments or their enforcement.
Eniotu argued that executive officers should not have an additional opportunity to frustrate or indefinitely delay the enforcement of judgments lawfully obtained against public institutions.
He advocated a framework providing clear enforcement procedures, definite timelines, responsible budgeting for judgment debts and effective judicial oversight.
“Government must respect the judicial authority it expects citizens to obey,” he declared.
The lawyer maintained that removing unnecessary administrative barriers would strengthen the rule of law and ensure that court judgments delivered against government institutions were not rendered ineffective by prolonged delays.
Beyond judgment enforcement, Eniotu raised concerns about electoral transparency and the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged the electoral commission to improve access to electoral information, ensure compliance with statutory requirements and establish transparent procedures for maintaining voter records.
According to him, accurate voter registers, lawful electoral processes and meaningful public scrutiny are essential foundations for credible elections.
Referring to the Electoral Act 2026, Eniotu identified Section 19, which addresses the display or publication of the register of voters, and Section 77, which concerns political parties’ membership registers and their submission to INEC before primaries, congresses and conventions.
He urged INEC to clearly communicate the applicable timelines for voter registration and inspection of the register.
The lawyer also called for accessible arrangements that would enable eligible voters to examine their registration details and submit claims, objections and corrections where necessary.
He maintained that the Commission should provide effective mechanisms for addressing errors or discrepancies in voter records before the final register is produced.
On political parties’ membership registers, Eniotu urged INEC to explain how compliance with statutory requirements would be verified and enforced.
He said such procedures should be implemented consistently while observing lawful safeguards for the protection of personal information.
The lawyer further called for greater transparency in the publication of voter registration figures.
According to him, INEC should clearly distinguish between the number of applications received, completed registrations and the final number of eligible registered voters.
He explained that the publication of figures without adequate clarification could create confusion, particularly where registration numbers changed during verification or cleanup exercises.
Eniotu therefore urged the Commission to provide timely explanations whenever credible discrepancies emerged or published figures were revised.
He also called on political parties to maintain accurate membership records and comply with their statutory obligations, insisting that the same legal standards should apply to all parties and candidates.
“Public confidence grows when electoral procedures and information can withstand scrutiny,” he stated.
Turning to mental health, the Managing Partner advocated urgent reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice and healthcare systems, particularly the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
He specifically called for a review of Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, where applicable, arguing that persons who survive suicide attempts should receive medical treatment and psychological support rather than face criminal prosecution.
Eniotu maintained that individuals experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress require immediate medical attention, psychiatric assessment, treatment and sustained care.
He welcomed ongoing efforts towards decriminalisation and urged the National Assembly and relevant State Houses of Assembly to complete the necessary legislative reforms.
The lawyer also called for increased public investment in affordable mental healthcare services, crisis intervention programmes and professional training for police officers, healthcare workers and other first responders.
According to him, an effective response to mental health emergencies should prioritise the preservation of life and access to treatment.
He further drew attention to serious psychiatric conditions associated with childbirth, particularly postpartum psychosis.
Referring to Section 327A of the Criminal Code, which recognises infanticide in specified circumstances involving a disturbed mental balance following childbirth or associated lactation, Eniotu emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, urgent medical intervention and appropriate psychiatric evidence.
He maintained that protecting children and ensuring access to treatment for mothers experiencing severe psychiatric conditions should be pursued together through coordinated healthcare and justice systems.
The lawyer called for stronger cooperation among medical practitioners, mental health professionals, law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions in handling such cases.
“Our laws must protect life and provide an effective path to treatment and rehabilitation,” he stated.
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