Govt urges state attorneys to strengthen oversight
DODOMA: THE government has challenged state attorneys to strengthen legal oversight and prevent costly disputes that delay major national projects.
Opening a working session for state attorneys in Dodoma on Thursday, Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs Juma Homera said the government depends heavily on their expertise as Tanzania implements strategic projects and expands public-private partnerships (PPP).
He stressed that sound legal advice was critical in high-value sectors such as oil, gas, mining and infrastructure, where weak scrutiny can expose the country to significant financial risks.
“It is critical that you provide accurate, timely and comprehensive legal guidance in PPP projects and in the oil, gas and mining sectors to avoid disputes that may harm the nation,” he stated.
Mr Homera noted that the sectors are key pillars of the national economy and require lawyers well-versed in international law, investment frameworks and modern contractual standards. He urged state attorneys to continuously upgrade their skills through national and international training to keep pace with evolving global legal practices.
Citing global experience, he said many countries have achieved rapid economic growth through effective use of PPPs, particularly in transport infrastructure and Tanzania can benefit similarly if its legal systems remain strong.
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“Law is the backbone of development. Without solid legal oversight, projects can stall or fall into unnecessary disputes,” he emphasised.
Mr Homera warned that negligence or weak supervision could lead to financial losses, urging state attorneys to perform their duties with precision to safeguard public resources.
He also commended the Tanzania Public Bar Association (TPBA) for its professionalism and called for stronger institutional structures from grassroots to national level. Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Eliakim Maswi, said the meeting should catalyse reforms to strengthen the justice sector in line with national development goals beyond 2050.
He urged state attorneys to view themselves as central actors in national transformation, stressing that no country can progress without a strong legal framework.
TPBA President Bavoo Junus said the association has grown to over 4,600 members nationwide, expressing confidence in continued collaboration with the government.
TPBA Chairperson Addo November highlighted operational challenges, including salary disparities across institutions and called for government intervention to ensure fairness and improved staff welfare.
