From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has commenced collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to help get Nigeria off the high-risk areas of money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of small arms.
Already, over 300 lawyers are brainstorming in Abuja at a two-day sensitisation programme on the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC-Phase II) of International IDEA with the support of the European Union.
Nigeria has already been designated as one of the high-risk areas for money laundering and terrorism financing.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, the Anti-corruption Programme Manager of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC-Phase II) of International IDEA, said the main essence of this workshop is to get lawyers on board to help get Nigeria off the grey list of the Global Financial Action Task Force.
According to him, the task force is the global body that monitors financial transactions and the financial risks inherent in different jurisdictions.
He said, “The last evaluations of Nigeria’s risk clearly show Nigeria as one of the high-risk areas for money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of small arms, which underscores the challenges Nigeria is currently facing. They have made a handful of recommendations necessary to get Nigeria out of that high-level vulnerability to these risks.
“While those risks persist and Nigeria remains on this grey list, there would be very limited confidence in Nigeria’s ability to participate with other global countries that mean well. That’s why you will be surprised when you want to use your debit card on an international website, and it is not recognised.
“Other jurisdictions don’t honour our financial instruments because they think working with us exposes them to the same risks of money laundering, terrorism financing, and all that you see with kidnapping and the proliferation of small arms.”
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the ability of lawyers to adhere to the highest ethical standards in providing services to the public is very important.
He said, “Even if it’s one lawyer who runs foul of our Rules of Professional Conduct, it worries us.”
“While we may not achieve 100 percent compliance, we want to instil confidence in the public that we are interested in ensuring that members of the public adhere to the highest standards. We will also ensure that those who violate the Rules of Professional Conduct are brought to book because that’s the only way we can show society that we have the capacity and willingness to weed out those who give us a bad name.”
The Head of Programme, RoLAC II, International IDEA, Mr. Danladi Plang, at the event said the importance of increasing transparency and accountability in anti-corruption systems and reforms cannot be overemphasised, as it is regarded as fundamental to sustaining a democratic system of government.
Plang, who was represented by the State Project Coordinator, Abia State, RoLAC II, Mr. Peter Omenka, said the democratic system of governance comprises a network of interdependent actors, and the performance of each actor is affected by the performance of others.
He stated, “Within the system, legal practitioners are recognised to generally work to support progressive ideals, whereby lawyers are expected to be sensitive and create a process through which democracy can flourish.
“It is relatively fair to acknowledge the unique role that lawyers play in the protection of the rule of law within a limited sphere.
“The legal profession is often regarded as a catalyst for progressive reforms within the legal and societal frameworks of a nation. Legal professionals serve as the architects of the legal system, playing a pivotal role in refining and sustaining the democratic structures of governance.”
The Head of Programme further stated that issues such as misrepresentation of facts, fraud, exploitation of legal loopholes, deceit, and intimidation have marred the integrity of the profession. These unethical practices pose a significant threat to the legal system and must be addressed before they undermine its foundation. In Nigeria, instances of professional misconduct frequently go unchallenged, suggesting a more widespread prevalence of such behaviour.
“Over the years, there has been an increasing societal focus on the ethical conduct of legal professionals, emphasising the protection of individuals, clients, the courts, fellow practitioners, and the legal profession itself.”
According to him, the “growing concern underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in law. In response to this, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Chairman of the General Council of the Bar undertook a review of the Rules of Professional Conduct (2007), aiming to address global malpractice concerns and to ensure that the conduct of legal professionals reflects the highest ethical standards.
“Every society influences its ethical disciplinary culture, and ensuring fairness and consistency in a disciplinary procedure promotes a progressive societal value for the public. It fosters positive cultures, encourages a fair and transparent approach to societal goals that promote confidence and trust. What remains unenforceable and has limited the discipline of erring lawyers is the disciplinary procedure, and this gap within the legal community remains a major challenge for the noble profession.”
Earlier, the Communications Officer of International IDEA, Murkthar Suleiman, in a media advisory, said the two-day national sensitisation event, scheduled to take place in Abuja, will serve as a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, with participants from all 130 NBA branches, including branch chairpersons and leaders of the Young Lawyers’ Forum.
He said, “Following the training, these representatives will be required to conduct step-down training sessions for their respective members, ensuring a nationwide dissemination of the revised professional guidelines.”
The workshop aims to strengthen legal practitioners’ understanding of the revised rules, promote ethical standards, and enhance compliance within the legal profession. A key outcome will be a comprehensive report identifying factors contributing to unethical practices among legal professionals, thereby fostering greater accountability,” he noted.
According to International IDEA, the training aligns with ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in Nigeria’s legal sector.
“The NBA and legal practitioners are expected to play a critical role in upholding professional ethics, ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process, and reinforcing public confidence in the legal system,” Suleiman added.
He said, “As part of its objectives, the training will strengthen lawyers’ knowledge of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct, promote ethical legal practice, combat professional misconduct, address key factors contributing to unethical behaviour in the legal profession, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency among legal practitioners.”