The Law Corridor, an Abuja-based law firm, called on the National Assembly on Thursday to abolish the requirement for the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation before judgment creditors can enforce monetary awards against public funds.
Henry Kelechukwu Eniotu, the Managing Partner of the firm, made the appeal during a media parley in Abuja. He argued that successful litigants should not face prolonged delays after winning court cases against government institutions.
Eniotu said the current rule under Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act creates unnecessary administrative obstacles. He stated that Nigerians who obtain judgments against public bodies often wait years before receiving payment.
He explained that the provision forces judgment creditors to seek the Attorney-General’s approval before starting garnishee proceedings against funds held by public officers. This step, he noted, frequently slows down enforcement.
Eniotu referred to the Supreme Court decision in Central Bank of Nigeria v. Lidan Engineering Limited and Others. The judgment clarified that the Central Bank’s role as banker to the government does not automatically require the Attorney-General’s consent when funds belong to a public institution.
However, he maintained that the wider wording of Section 84 still allows delays in many other cases involving government agencies. As a result, he urged lawmakers to repeal the consent requirement entirely.
Eniotu also used the occasion to advocate reforms in electoral administration, mental health legislation and access to justice. He stressed that removing the consent barrier would help successful litigants enjoy the benefits of their court victories without further obstacles.
The firm’s position focused on ensuring that court judgments against public funds can be enforced more promptly across the country.
