LEGAL UNIT

The Legal Services Unit occupies a strategic position in the Federal Ministry of Finance as it offers legal services to the office of the Honorable Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and all other departments of the Ministry. Its mandates include:

• Defending the Ministry in cases instituted against it by third parties in Courts all over the federation;
• Vetting of legal instruments intended between the Ministry and third parties and commenting on same for the purpose of ensuring perfection before execution by the Minister/Permanent Secretary;
• Preparation of Agreements on contracts awarded by the Ministry to third parties;
• Rendering of advice to the Minister/Permanent Secretary on Matters with legal implications;
• Participation in loan negotiation with Agencies; Participating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service in negotiation with other nations on matters relating to the avoidance of double taxation,
• Liaising with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in processing legal opinions giving effect to external loans;
• Liaising with the office of the AGF in processing instruments of ratification on Bilateral Agreements to which Nigeria has subscribed.

The Unit is made up of lawyers pooled from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of justice and headed by a Director. The Unit also has other staff comprising Secretaries and Clerical officers who render support services to facilitate proper functioning of the unit.