Judges Urge Lawyers to Protect Nigeria’s Legal Future Through Ethics, Technology
Senior judges in Nigeria have advised lawyers to uphold judicial ethics, professionalism and integrity while embracing technology in order to safeguard the future of legal practice in the country.
The judges made the call on Saturday at the maiden symposium of Nureini Jimoh (SAN) Chambers held in Kano.
The symposium was organised as part of activities marking the commissioning of the chamber’s new building and was themed “The Future of Legal Practice in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Justice Abdu Aboki, JSC (Rtd), who chaired the occasion, described the gathering as timely, noting that the legal profession currently stands at a critical intersection between tradition and innovation.
Aboki called for closer collaboration between the bench and the bar, describing both as “indivisible and inseparable partners” in the administration of justice.
He commended the presence of serving and retired justices, senior advocates and judicial officers at the event, adding that their participation reflected a strong commitment to mentorship, ethical grounding and the development of the next generation of lawyers.
Delivering a paper, Justice Tijjani Abubakar of the Supreme Court said digital transformation had become a defining feature of modern legal practice.
He cited the adoption of e-filing, electronic court lists, virtual hearings and e-service as essential pathways for leveraging technology, stressing that lawyers must embrace technological competence as both an ethical and professional requirement.
According to him, digitisation is no longer optional, warning that the Nigerian Bar must adapt or risk stagnation.
Abubakar also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in legal research, drafting and analytics, adding that courts and counsel must prepare for AI-generated evidence and automated decision-support tools.
He, however, cautioned that technology must not replace human judgment, urging the profession to establish clear ethical boundaries for the use of AI in legal practice.
The justice further identified the expansion of cross-border legal services, driven by international trade and digital transactions, as a major trend, noting that Nigerian lawyers must align with global best practices to remain competitive.
He also pointed to the growth of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including arbitration, mediation and online dispute resolution, describing ADR literacy as essential for the continued relevance of legal practitioners.
On challenges, Abubakar expressed concern over ethical decline in the profession, condemning unprofessional conduct, unethical client solicitation and delays in the administration of justice.
He stressed that professionalism must never be treated as optional, warning that integrity remains the foundation of public confidence in the legal system.
Also speaking, Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Supreme Court said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for innovation in legal practice and justice delivery.
Abiru noted that unethical practices have continued to erode public trust, stressing that “once trust is eroded, the entire profession is at risk.”
He called for a comprehensive review of legal education and expressed concern over the annual production of large numbers of lawyers in an economy struggling to absorb them.
According to him, weaknesses in legal education, language skills and professional training have contributed significantly to ethical challenges within the profession.
Abiru further identified emerging opportunities in areas such as data protection, sports law and technology-driven legal services, urging lawyers to adapt to changing business models and diversify their practice.
Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Court of Appeal also underscored the need for strict adherence to ethical standards to strengthen the justice system.
The convener of the symposium, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening ethics, professionalism and sustainable growth in the legal profession.
Jimoh said the symposium would be held annually, adding that quarterly lecture series would also be organised to give back to society and promote informed discussions on issues shaping the future of legal practice in Nigeria.
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