In an unprecedented move, the Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to translate existing state laws from English into Yoruba, with the aim of improving legal comprehension and accessibility for the state’s Yoruba-speaking population.
The translation process will leverage OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology, making Lagos the first Nigerian state to embrace advanced AI for legal reform.
This initiative was revealed during a One-Day Stakeholders’ Meeting, organised by the Law Reform Commission in collaboration with the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.
Also read: Lagos State strengthens ties with Grenada to boost economic growth
The event, which took place at the Debt Management Office, STO Resources Centre in Ikeja, focused on the People’s Perception Survey regarding the translation of Lagos State laws into Yoruba.
AI-Powered Legal Translation
Mrs. Umul-Kulthum Ninilomo Bashar, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission, described the initiative as a revolutionary approach to legal reform.
She emphasised that translating state laws into Yoruba is not merely a linguistic shift but also a way of empowering citizens. Bashar noted, “This project is about enabling people to access and comprehend the laws in their mother tongue, which will promote better understanding and compliance.”
With a target to translate at least 70 laws annually, the initiative will also create a digital library of Lagos State laws in Yoruba. This will be supported by a state-of-the-art, AI-driven website to further enhance accessibility.
Bashar revealed that efforts are also underway to include the Ogu language in future law translations.
Strengthening Legal Literacy
The translation of state laws into Yoruba is expected to improve public confidence in the government and reduce enforcement costs by fostering voluntary compliance.
Bashar explained, “For too long, language barriers have led to misunderstandings and non-compliance, creating friction between the government and its people.”
Mrs. Adejoke Deborah Olajide, Yoruba Consultant for the Lagos State House of Assembly, highlighted the cultural significance of this project.
She remarked that the translation would bridge the gap between complex legal jargon and the everyday language spoken by a majority of Lagosians.
“This effort is not only about legal comprehension but also about preserving our linguistic heritage for future generations,” Olajide added.
A Model for Other States
The initiative is poised to serve as a model for other Nigerian states, demonstrating how the combination of advanced AI technology and cultural sensitivity can reform legal frameworks.
Alhaji Hamzat Azeez, Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council, stressed the importance of ensuring that the laws are disseminated in a language understood by the grassroots population.
He remarked, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse; it is crucial that the law is interpreted in a native language for better awareness and compliance.”
The meeting gathered community representatives from across Lagos State, who provided feedback and reactions to the Yoruba law translations, ensuring that the initiative meets the needs of the local populace.
