The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised alarm over the increasing “cash-and-carry” culture in legal practice, warning that it threatens both the integrity of the profession and the administration of justice.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice, themed “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives,” the CJN called for an urgent ethical revival among lawyers.
She acknowledged that lawyers deserve fair remuneration but stressed that the pursuit of fees must never overshadow their duty to justice, professional responsibility, and client protection. Justice Kekere-Ekun cautioned that a focus on technical correctness over substantive justice risks reducing the profession to transactional work.
“The lawyer occupies a unique position as both an advocate for the client and a minister in the temple of justice,” she said, urging practitioners to help courts deliver justice, discourage frivolous litigation, and prevent abuse of court processes.
Highlighting the profession’s reliance on ethical courage, intellectual honesty, and commitment to the rule of law, she warned that any erosion of these values could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The CJN also addressed the role of technology, including Artificial Intelligence and cross-border legal work, encouraging lawyers to embrace innovation without compromising ethics or the human element of justice. She further stressed stronger collaboration between the Bench and the Bar to build a responsive legal system that meets global standards while reflecting Nigeria’s constitutional and socio-cultural realities.
Describing the moment as critical, Justice Kekere-Ekun insisted that the legal profession must recommit to core ethical principles to navigate rapid changes from technology, globalisation, and evolving societal expectations.
