President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted a new Legal Practitioners Bill to the House of Representatives, seeking the repeal of the Legal Practitioners Act, which has governed the legal profession since 1962.
In his letter to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, read during plenary, the President said the existing law has become outdated and can no longer address emerging challenges in legal regulation, discipline and professional standards.
Tinubu explained that the proposed bill introduces a comprehensive modern framework aimed at strengthening oversight of the legal profession and improving public confidence in legal practice.
He noted that lawyers play a central role in upholding justice, the rule of law and access to justice, but stressed that evolving issues around professional conduct, licensing and discipline require updated legislation that reflects current realities.
According to the President, the draft bill seeks to provide greater accountability, stronger ethical standards and a more transparent regulatory structure for practitioners.
It outlines objectives such as promoting public interest, deepening respect for the rule of law and improving citizens’ understanding of their rights and obligations.
It also set out core principles expected of legal practitioners, including integrity, confidentiality and clear duties to both clients and the courts.
Tinubu said the bill reorganises key legal institutions by placing the Body of Benchers in charge of admitting qualified persons to the bar, and establishing a strengthened disciplinary committee with authority to handle misconduct cases and impose penalties ranging from suspension and reprimand to outright removal from the roll of practitioners.
He added that the bill introduces a mandatory two-year pupillage period and compulsory continuing professional development to ensure that lawyers maintain high levels of competence.
The proposed law also outlines measures for inspecting and accrediting law offices, issuing practising licences, and enforcing the use of official seals and stamps to authenticate legal documents.
