Download the draft of the Legal Practitioners Bill, 2025, as President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the proposed legislation to the National Assembly in a bold attempt to reshape Nigeria’s legal System.
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The executive bill, read for the first time today in both chambers, seeks to repeal the outdated Legal Practitioners Act, Cap L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (originally enacted in 1962) and replace it with a modern regulatory framework for the legal profession.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the bill’s arrival in the House of Representatives, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio laid it before the Senate, paving the way for committee-level scrutiny.
“This isn’t mere legislation; it is a blueprint for accountability in an era where legal services must match global standards,” Tinubu stated in his cover letter. Amid concerns over ethical breaches, delayed justice, and evolving international demands, the bill promises enhanced regulation, ethical rigour, and public trust. With Nigeria’s legal sector serving over 200,000 practitioners and contributing significantly to economic growth, stakeholders from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to civil society groups are examining the 44-section draft and urging swift passage with broad stakeholder input.
The bill’s structure, spanning 11 parts and schedules, outlines a comprehensive overhaul — from ethical principles to disciplinary enforcement. Below is a breakdown of its key components, drawn from the draft:
- Part I: Objectives and Professional Principles (Sections 1–2)
The Act aims to maintain public confidence in legal services while promoting the rule of law and access to justice. It preserves the profession’s independence, integrity, and diversity, while boosting transparency and efficiency. Practitioners must uphold the rule of law, act in clients’ best interests, prioritise duties to the court, demonstrate integrity, and maintain confidentiality — with strict sanctions for violations. - Part II: Establishment, Composition, Functions, etc., of the Body of Benchers (Sections 3–9)
The revamped Body of Benchers becomes a corporate entity composed of “legal practitioners of the highest distinction.” Chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (a life Bencher), it includes Supreme Court Justices, the Attorney General, state Attorneys General, chief judges, and up to 90 distinguished nominees (minimum 15 years post-call). The Body’s functions include calling candidates to the Bar and exercising disciplinary powers. New provisions allow honorary foreign members and confer life membership after five meritorious years. A dedicated secretariat, headed by a Secretary with at least 10 years post-call (retiring at 60 or 35 years of service), will manage operations with funding sourced from allocations, fees, and vetted donations. - Part III: Financial Provisions (Sections 10–11)
A dedicated Fund — powered by federal budget allocations through the National Judicial Council, retained fees, and approved gifts — finances administration, service delivery, and property maintenance. Donations are acceptable only when consistent with the Body’s mandate. - Part IV: General Provisions (Sections 12–16)
Bar admission requires a Council of Legal Education certificate, good character, and approval by the Body of Benchers. The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court will maintain the Roll, both electronically and in hard copy, accessible to the public. Only enrolled, fee-paying practitioners may appear in court. “Practice of law” is broadly defined to include advice, drafting, representation, and negotiations, and prohibits unauthorised practice even in matters with a “substantial nexus” to Nigeria. Exceptions apply for supervised trainees and neutral dispute-resolution roles. - Part V: Disciplinary Committee and Penalties (Sections 17–22)
A strengthened Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee will investigate misconduct, felonies, negligence, and other “incompatible” behaviour. Sanctions range from reprimand to striking off, subject to Supreme Court review. An Ethics, Adherence, and Enforcement Committee provides additional oversight, along with negligence liability mechanisms for client redress. - Part VI: General Council of the Bar (Sections 23–29)
The bill mandates two-year pupillage, compulsory annual CPD, office inspections/accreditation, practising licenses and fees, and stamps/seals for document authenticity. Rules governing the Inner Bar (SANs) are also streamlined. - Part VII: Foreign Lawyers and Unauthorized Practice (Sections 30–31)
Sets rules for admission of foreign lawyers and imposes strict penalties for unlicensed practice. - Part VIII: Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (Sections 32–33)
Establishes the framework for awarding the SAN rank strictly on merit. - Part IX: Remuneration (Sections 34–36)
Provides transparency guidelines for fees, billing, and recovery. - Part X: Safeguards for Clients (Sections 37–38)
Introduces strict rules for client accounts, including protections for funds held in trust. - Part XI: Miscellaneous Provisions (Sections 39–44)
Covers pre-action notices, regulatory powers, repeal of the existing Act, savings provisions, interpretation, and the short title.
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