By Editor
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday cautioned legal practitioners against turning the profession into a profit-driven venture, urging them to uphold integrity and commitment to justice.
She gave the warning at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Arts in Lagos.
The CJN said the legal profession must not become a mere commercial enterprise driven solely by financial reward, stressing that lawyers have a duty beyond winning cases.
She noted that legal practitioners must prioritise justice, discourage frivolous litigation, and ensure that the law is not used as a tool for oppression or delay.
Kekere-Ekun warned that the credibility of the legal profession depends on ethical courage, intellectual honesty, and fidelity to the rule of law.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, she described it as timely, noting that legal practice is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, globalisation, and changing societal expectations.
She said developments such as digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and cross-border transactions are reshaping how legal services are delivered and regulated.
The CJN stressed that while these changes present opportunities for efficiency and transparency, they also pose challenges that require lawyers to maintain professional standards.
She called for stronger collaboration between the Bench and the Bar to ensure that Nigeria’s legal system remains responsive and aligned with global best practices.
Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of preparing younger lawyers, noting that the future of the profession depends on the discipline and values instilled in the next generation.
She commended initiatives such as career development programmes and debates designed to build capacity among young practitioners.
The CJN further praised the launch of the NBA-SLP Law Firm Directory, describing it as a step toward improving transparency and organisation within the legal profession.
She said the directory would enhance visibility, credibility, and engagement between lawyers and clients, while strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global legal space.
Kekere-Ekun urged stakeholders to embrace innovation without compromising ethical standards and to ensure that the human element of justice is not lost in the adoption of technology.
She encouraged participants at the conference to engage in meaningful discussions that would strengthen legal practice and improve the administration of justice in Nigeria.
The CJN formally declared the conference open, expressing confidence that the deliberations would contribute to advancing the rule of law in the country.