In a bid to reform legal practice and raise professional standards, President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the Legal Practitioners (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill to the National Assembly for urgent consideration.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen accountability, promote ethical conduct among lawyers, and improve access to justice nationwide.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter to lawmakers, highlighting key provisions of the bill. Among them is the introduction of a formal licensing system for legal practitioners, ensuring that only qualified lawyers may practice.
The bill also mandates a two-year tutelage period for newly qualified lawyers, designed to provide structured mentorship and hands-on experience before independent practice.
The legislation also called for compulsory continuous professional development programs, requiring practicing lawyers to regularly update their skills and knowledge to maintain high standards across the profession.
In a separate session, the Senate adjourned in honour of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North), who passed away last week, in line with parliamentary tradition.
Legal experts have welcomed the bill as a step toward enhancing professionalism in Nigeria’s legal sector, noting that structured training and ethical oversight could reduce misconduct and improve public trust in the judiciary.
With the bill now before the National Assembly, lawmakers are expected to scrutinise its provisions and debate measures that could modernise legal practice and safeguard the interests of both practitioners and the public.
