Drafting Subsidiary Legislation in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Central Bank of Nigeria
Thesis
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) played a pivotal role in the country's financial regulatory landscape through its subsidiary legislation. This dissertation scrutinized the drafting practices of the CBN's subsidiary legislation to assess their adherence to principles of clarity, conciseness, and plain language, aiming to enhance accessibility and understanding for stakeholders. Utilizing a doctrinal research methodology, this study analyzed legal texts, statutes, and case law to explore the legal framework. Shortcomings in clarity, consistency, and the prevalence of technical terminology and legal jargon were evident, posing challenges for comprehension among non-legal professionals. Additionally, inconsistencies in structure and ambiguities within or between legislation exacerbated compliance issues. Proposed measures to address these challenges encompassed adopting a plain language drafting style, developing a drafting manual, offering training on plain language principles, and conducting systematic reviews. This Dissertation aimed to enhance the transparency, coherence, and effectiveness of the CBN's subsidiary legislation, ultimately fostering improved regulatory compliance and understanding among stakeholders.