By Amb. Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Esq.
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The Nigerian economy has come this far in its worsening conditions. Majority of Nigerians (that is, the masses) are already forebearing a lot of hardships to survive on a daily basis as a result of the worsening Nigerian economy. Unfortunately, the present political leadership, with due respect, has not considered finding a lasting solution that is workable to lift and or recue these suffering Nigerians from these hardships. Those who were multi-millionaires prior to this regime found themselves struggling to survive despite their class-status.
A middle-class person has become lower in status! Hence, ‘things have continued to fall apart’ and ‘the centre could no more hold’! The above worsening situations of the Nigerian economy do not leave out the legal profession in regard to free legal services: bailiffs of courts cannot service court processes free of charge and must be paid well; printing and photocopying of legal processes are not free and in fact, are on the very high side now (especially where printing at some locations FCT-Abuja is not less than N500 per page and photocopying a page of document is not less than N100); the transport to and fro the courts and the various detention facilities have also increased highly; cost of accommodation for a lawyer and his family is high (for instance, in Bwari, FCT-Abuja, a one-bedroom flat has increased to not less than N500,000.00 (as opposed to N150,000.00 – N200,000.00, that it was prior to this government) for old-built house and not less than N800,000.00 or N1,500,000.00 for newly built house depending on the location and landlords have continued to increase rents; in fact, the year 2025, saw a high rates of rents-increase in the FCT-Abuja, than ever before); educational fees (both religious and western) have also increased highly for young pupils of a lawyer; airtimes and data subscriptions from network providers have also increased highly (in fact, the network providers such as MTN & Glo networks that used to provide bonuses on airtime and data subscriptions have suspended such benefits and rather increased their tariffs on such subscriptions); commodities in the market places have also increased highly beyond comprehension (for instance: one mudu of local rice (depending on the specie) is not less than N2,300.00 (even though mixed with some particles of sands or stones) in the Bwari axes; and other commodities have increased highly which a lawyer may desire to purchase for himself and his family (in fact, restaurants where a lawyer could patronize to eat after a stressful work in courts or office have increased their food prices)); among other worsening economic situations of Nigeria (yet, a number of clients and or prospective clients still desire ‘free legal services’ from a lawyer!). All these would compel a lawyer who is willing to offer free legal services to indigent clients to think twice about his decision in that regard (as he also gets nothing for free!).
Expenses of a lawyer are being reduced and or managed and no more ‘business as usual’. Therefore, a lawyer would think of operating his law firm as a ‘business entity’ that it is normally rather than considering any free legal service for any prospective client. In fact, it is now a good advice that a lawyer collects his legal fees or any fee for any legal work or for any legal service before embarking on any such legal service, else, he might find it difficult to get paid for his legal services rendered by his client. It is now true that a number of persons owing are likely not to pay back their debts. In fact, landlords- tenants disputes over failure to pay rents by some tenants are increasing (in fact, some lawyers who are tenants have not been exempted).
This worsening economy is forcing policies-change in order for a lawyer to live up to his expectations. In fact, the American government has stopped grants to some Non-governmental organisations which also adds to the worsening impacts; as Nigeria finds it difficult to even survive on her own (though, despite all the economic values of the nation) without external aids.
Therefore, pro bono or free legal services are likely to be negatively affected in the very near period of time. Therefore, in my humble analysis, the state of the Nigerian nation on the economy is that the nation is on its way to scoring ‘F9’ or ‘failure’ in rating her economic development. ‘Suffering and smiling’! ‘Be patient; we are working on building the economy’ are mere dreams rather than the realities of what the masses would see! Insecurity (as a result kidnapping by unknown gun-men and armed robbers) affects almost the various affordable locations where a lawyer could reside with his family and even majority of lawyers cannot afford to reside in the central areas in the city of FCT-Abuja! The above are indications of ‘poor welfare’ and ‘security’ of the nation by the Nigerian government in power.
It is therefore very unfortunate (whereas, the truth cannot be denied) that Nigerian economy is worsening daily and these resulting impacts do not exempt offering of free legal services by a Nigerian lawyer! The government is advised to check its policies and consider policies that positively impact the masses’ welfare and security for a responsive and responsible democratic government!
Amb. Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Esq. ACArb. (Chartered Arbitrator), MTI Accredited Mediator, CGArb. (Global Peace and Conflict Resolution and Management Expert), FIGPCM, LPC, PC-WCM, FIMC, CMC, CMS and Notary Public for Nigeria
Email: hameed_ajibola@yahoo.com 08168292549.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
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The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
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Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
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