The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised concerns over what she described as a growing “cash-and-carry” culture within the legal profession, warning that the trend threatens both its integrity and the effective administration of justice.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice, themed “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives,” the CJN called for an urgent return to ethical standards among practitioners. She stressed that while lawyers are entitled to fair compensation, the pursuit of financial gain must not override their duty to justice, professionalism, and client protection.
Kekere-Ekun expressed concern that legal practice is increasingly driven by technicalities rather than the pursuit of substantive justice. According to her, this shift risks reducing the profession to a transactional enterprise, where outcomes are influenced more by procedural manoeuvres than by fairness and truth.
She emphasised the unique role of lawyers as both advocates for their clients and officers of the court, noting that they are expected to support the judicial process by discouraging frivolous cases and preventing abuse of court procedures. The CJN warned that any erosion of ethical values could significantly damage public trust in the justice system.
Highlighting the evolving nature of legal practice, she acknowledged the growing impact of digital transformation, including artificial intelligence and cross-border legal services. However, she urged practitioners to embrace innovation responsibly, ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise ethical standards or the human element of justice.
The CJN also called for closer collaboration between the Bench and the Bar, stressing the need to build a legal system that is both resilient and responsive to modern challenges. She noted that such cooperation is essential for aligning Nigeria’s legal practice with global standards while preserving its constitutional and cultural foundations.
Describing the current period as a defining moment for the profession, Kekere-Ekun urged lawyers to recommit to integrity, intellectual honesty, and the rule of law, warning that the future of the legal system depends on these core values.
