Who Can Save Nigeria’s Legal Profession?
Basil Odilim
I woke up and spent close to three hours writing about this because I’m increasingly worried the way some of our lawyers and judges are behaving, openly telling lies in a profession where truth is supposed to be its cornerstone. Even though this involves a small number, the danger is that as small as this number is, it’s still very dangerous given the life or death role this profession plays in the society.
The legal profession, long regarded as one of the noblest callings, is facing an existential crisis in Nigeria. Overpopulation, declining ethical standards and an increasing tendency toward frivolous litigation have cast a shadow over the profession. What was once a bastion of justice has, in many cases, become a breeding ground for sharp practices, corruption, and financial exploitation. This painful truth must be confronted if the legal profession is to regain its integrity and fulfill its fundamental duty of upholding justice.
Nigeria’s law schools are producing an overwhelming number of lawyers each year, far exceeding the demand for legal services. This saturation has led to fierce competition, forcing many lawyers into unethical practices to survive. Rather than upholding the law, some resort to manipulation, deceit, and collusion with corrupt elements within the judiciary.
The moral fiber of the legal profession is weakening. Too many lawyers prioritize financial gain over justice, encouraging clients to pursue baseless lawsuits or fabricating cases to keep them engaged in endless legal battles. The legal system is meant to serve the cause of justice, but in Nigeria, it is increasingly being used as a tool for exploitation.
The rot in the legal profession is not limited to lawyers. Corrupt judges and court officials have turned justice into a commodity to be bought and sold. Verdicts are influenced by money and connections rather than the law, making it nearly impossible for ordinary Nigerians to obtain fair rulings.
Nigeria is becoming one of the most litigant nations in the world, with countless cases that could have been resolved amicably flooding the courts. Like in America, where minor domestic disputes can quickly escalate into lengthy and expensive court battles, Nigeria is witnessing an alarming rise in unnecessary lawsuits. Some lawyers, rather than advising their clients honestly, encourage them to pursue litigation for financial gain.
Many law schools in Nigeria churn out graduates without adequately equipping them with practical skills or a strong ethical foundation. This has led to a generation of lawyers who are legally qualified but lack the competence and moral fortitude required to uphold justice.
Deliberate delays in legal proceedings have become a common practice, with lawyers exploiting procedural loopholes to prolong cases indefinitely. This benefits no one but the legal practitioners who profit from the prolonged litigation, while clients suffer through years of uncertainty and injustice.
The first step toward reforming the legal profession is to reduce the number of students admitted into law faculties and law schools. Stricter entrance requirements, including character assessments, should be introduced to ensure that only those with the right aptitude and integrity pursue legal careers
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other regulatory bodies must take a firmer stance against unethical lawyers. Disciplinary actions, including suspension and disbarment, should be enforced without bias or political interference. An independent legal ombudsman should also be established to investigate complaints against lawyers and judges.
Appointments to the judiciary should be based strictly on merit rather than political patronage. Technology should be leveraged to track case proceedings and ensure transparency in court rulings, reducing the opportunity for corruption.
Strong deterrents must be put in place to prevent the abuse of the legal system. Lawyers who initiate baseless lawsuits should face penalties, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation should be encouraged to ease the burden on the courts.
Legal education must be revamped to emphasize practical training, ethics, and professional responsibility. Law graduates should undergo rigorous post-graduate training and character evaluations before being admitted to the bar.
A culture of service must be reintroduced into the legal profession. Incentives should be provided for lawyers who take on pro bono cases, and legal aid services should be expanded to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of financial status, have access to justice.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s legal profession stands at a crossroads. Some of the so-called celebrity lawyers lack the character to serve as role models, as they obtain judgments through sharp practices and, unfortunately, are the ones mentoring future legal minds. Without urgent reform, the legal system will continue to serve the interests of a few while denying justice to the many. The solutions outlined above offer a roadmap for restoring integrity, efficiency, and fairness to the legal profession. The time for action is now—before the profession loses its nobility entirely.
