The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called for the modernisation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, warning that prolonged complaints undermine confidence in the profession’s ability to regulate itself.
Speaking at the Supreme Court’s legal-year opening in Abuja on October 12, Fagbemi said allegations of professional misconduct, particularly those involving senior lawyers, required a timely and transparent response.
According to TVC News, he warned that unresolved disciplinary proceedings could create the impression that lawyers were protecting colleagues accused of wrongdoing.
Reform must address delay and uncertainty
In his address, Fagbemi said his office was engaging stakeholders over issues arising from a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning professional discipline.
He presented LPDC modernisation as a necessary step towards restoring confidence in the handling of complaints. The address did not announce a completed replacement framework or a commencement date for new procedures.
Senior rank carries wider responsibilities
Addressing the 68 newly conferred Senior Advocates, Fagbemi cautioned against treating silk principally as an instrument of commercial advantage.
“The silk gown is not a commercial licence,” he said.
He urged senior practitioners to demonstrate the value of the distinction through sound advocacy, mentorship, fair remuneration for younger lawyers and service to society.
Courtesy and professional leadership
Fagbemi also called for stronger standards of punctuality and communication across courts. He highlighted the importance of notifying counsel when proceedings could not take place and treating professional colleagues with respect.
His wider reform agenda included merit-based judicial appointments and legislative reviews intended to strengthen professional regulation and dispute resolution.
The intervention brings the debate back to a practical question: how can complaints be resolved efficiently while ensuring that accused practitioners receive a fair process? A credible framework must answer both concerns.
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