The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 65th annual General Conference in Enugu recently concluded with a communique that highlighted the association’s commitment to reforming the country’s legal system. However, the question on many Nigerians’ minds remains: when will the NBA and the judiciary prioritize access to justice for the poor and vulnerable?
During the conference, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe emphasized the importance of excellence and bravery in the legal profession, particularly in defending the rule of law and promoting justice. Yet, the communique issued at the end of the conference seemed to focus more on modernizing the legal system to enhance access to justice, without providing concrete solutions to address the pressing concerns of the masses.
A panel discussion during the conference shed light on the widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the current state of affairs. When asked if Nigeria was better off two years ago, the overwhelming response from the audience of legal professionals was a resounding “no”. This sentiment was echoed by analysts on Arise News, who noted that Nigerians are acutely aware of the country’s economic hardships and are calling for practical interventions to address the challenges.
The issue of access to justice is particularly pressing, given the stark reality that the court system has become a preserve of the privileged few. The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, recently lamented that justice has become a commodity that only the highest bidders can afford. If the NBA is sincere about addressing this issue, it must take urgent action to remove the barriers that prevent the poor and vulnerable from accessing legal redress.
Promoting affordable litigation, strengthening legal aid, and expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms could go a long way in making justice more accessible to all. The NBA’s condemnation of financial crimes, including corruption, is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to ensure that lawyers play a proactive role in preventing corruption and promoting accountability.
As the NBA moves forward, it is imperative that it prioritizes the needs of the masses, rather than just the interests of its members. By working together with the government and other stakeholders, the NBA can help create a more just and equitable society where the rule of law is upheld, and justice is truly accessible to all.
