Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), issued a strong warning on Wednesday against the increasing tendency for legal practitioners to treat their profession as a purely profit-driven venture.
Kekere-Ekun expressed concern that the prevalent focus on financial rewards over the pursuit of justice posed a significant threat to the credibility of the legal profession and the confidence the public places in it.
Speaking at the commencement of the 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) in Lagos, the CJN advocated for legal practice to transcend mere 'transactional advocacy'.
She underscored that legal professionals bear a profound responsibility to champion justice, safeguard the rule of law, and conduct themselves with unwavering ethical integrity.
"There is growing concern that, in some instances, briefs are undertaken primarily for monetary gain, without sufficient regard to the enforcement of clients’ rights or the development of sound legal principles," Kekere-Ekun remarked.
She cautioned that such behaviour could undermine public faith in the judicial system and diminish the esteemed position of the legal profession.
The CJN highlighted that lawyers serve not only as representatives for their clients but also as 'ministers in the temple of justice', tasked with assisting the courts in achieving equitable resolutions, discouraging unwarranted litigation, and ensuring that legal proceedings are not exploited for undue delays or as instruments of oppression.
These statements from the CJN come amid widespread discussions regarding the slow pace of justice administration and accusations of unethical conduct within the legal fraternity.
Addressing the dynamic global landscape of legal services, she pointed out that advancements in artificial intelligence, digital innovations, and cross- border transactions are fundamentally altering how legal services are rendered.
While acknowledging these developments as potential avenues for growth, she cautioned that they must not compromise established ethical benchmarks.
"The legal profession today stands at a critical juncture," she stated, imploring practitioners to embrace progress while steadfastly preserving the fundamental tenets of integrity, competence, and adherence to the rule of law.
Kekere-Ekun emphasised the vital need for enhanced cooperation between the judiciary (the Bench) and legal practitioners (the Bar), asserting that such synergy is essential for cultivating a legal framework that is both responsive and robust, capable of addressing contemporary challenges while maintaining public trust.
In a move recognised as contributing to the modernisation of legal practice, the CJN commended the NBA-SLP for introducing a Law Firm Directory. She characterised this initiative as a crucial step towards bolstering transparency, credibility, and accessibility within the legal profession.
Furthermore, she underscored the importance of mentorship for junior lawyers, stressing that the future of the legal profession hinges on the values imparted to the subsequent generation of practitioners.
Kekere-Ekun also acknowledged the keynote address delivered by Taoheed Olufemi Elias, noting that his contributions continue to enhance Nigeria's standing in international legal discourse.
Officially declaring the conference open, the CJN expressed her optimism that the discussions held would yield actionable strategies to fortify legal practice and improve the administration of justice across Nigeria.
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