BILLIONS IN LEGAL FEES: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT’S EXPENDITURE RAISES EYEBROWS
A staggering revelation has emerged, exposing the Nigerian government’s lavish spending on legal fees. A whopping N1.1 billion has been shelled out to top lawyers over a period of three years, sparking intense scrutiny and debate.
LEGAL LUMINARIES CASH IN ON GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Prominent lawyers, including Chief Afe Babalola and Wole Olanipekun, have been beneficiaries of these substantial payments. Their services have encompassed a wide range of legal expertise, from counsel and documentation to representation in high-stakes court cases.
GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES FLAUNTED AS LEGAL FEES SKYROCKET
Despite established guidelines governing legal fees, the Nigerian government’s expenditure on legal services has raised concerns about transparency and accountability. The Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order, 2023, seems to have been overlooked in the government’s zeal to engage top legal talent.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PAYMENTS
A notable instance of the government’s largesse is the payment of N482.7 million to Babalola, Olanipekun, and Izinyon in July 2024. Babalola pocketed N372.9 million for representing the federal government in a court case, while Olanipekun and Izinyon received N103.6 million and N6.2 million, respectively.
MORE LAWYERS BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Further investigation reveals that 17 lawyers received a cumulative sum of N359.7 million in 2022, while four lawyers were paid a total of N319.3 million in 2021. The list of beneficiaries includes Savannah Law Chambers, Lex Habitae, and Rashida Mohammed & Co, among others.
