Inadequate Implementation Causes Law Failure in Nigeria – Prof. Kana
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa
Professor Abdul Kareem Abubakar Kana, a public law expert at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has emphasized that the failure of laws in Nigeria stems from the inaction of the three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—in implementing them.
Prof Kana message aligns with findings that ineffective implementation of public policies in Nigeria is often due to weak institutional frameworks, lack of political will, undue political interference, and insufficient resources.
He made this statement during the 52nd inaugural lecture at the university’s Assembly Hall.
The 52nd inaugural lecture series of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, titled “Why Laws Fail: Analyzing the Shortcomings of Nigerian Laws and the Implications for Justice,” was delivered by Professor Abdul Kareem Abubakar Kana, a Professor of Public Law.
Professor Kana emphasized that the government bears primary responsibility for ensuring the proper implementation of laws, in collaboration with all arms of government and stakeholders, including citizens.
“The ineffectiveness of laws stems from the government’s failure to implement them properly. The three tiers of government must work together to ensure the successful implementation of laws”.
He noted that laws will continue to fail if the government doesn’t provide a conducive environment for actors to perform their duties, stressing that judge appointments should be based on merit and competence, not bias.
However, Professor Kana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also criticized lawyers and journalists for contributing to the failure of laws due to unprofessional conduct and misrepresentation of facts, urging them to adhere to their professional ethics to make Nigeria a better society.
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, representing Governor Abdullahi Sule, praised Professor Kana as an asset to both Nasarawa State and the country, highlighting his transformative work as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
“Prof. Kana, as we know him, is a man that is hardworking, he always communicated to his duty, his actions are rugged but in a positive way, he has transformed our legal system, we will always consult him”.
Former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Shamsideen Amale, and Dr. Suleiman Nchi, representing the lecturers and staff of the Faculty of Law, commended Professor Kana for his commitment to his profession, urging him to continue his good work.
Vice Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman stated that the university management is committed to supporting inaugural lectures to enhance productivity, research, and innovation, thanking professors from various faculties for participating.
Notable attendees included former APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Danladi Jatau, and Chairman of the Nasarawa State APC Aliyu Bello, among other government officials who gathered to support Professor Kana.
