Summary
President Bola Tinubu has sent the Legal Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) bill to the National Assembly, marking a major push to overhaul the country’s legal sector.
The bill, which forms part of broader reforms aimed at elevating legal standards nationwide, was submitted for immediate legislative review.
The proposed law is designed to reinforce ethical discipline, strengthen oversight mechanisms in the legal profession, and widen public access to justice across all regions. While reading the President’s communication during Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the bill contains several significant updates.
These include issuing practice licenses to lawyers, introducing a compulsory two-year mentorship phase for newly qualified practitioners, and enforcing continuous professional development initiatives.
In another development, the Senate brought its session to an early close in accordance with long-standing parliamentary customs. The adjournment was made in respect of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North), who died last week, as lawmakers paid tribute to his memory.
What you should know
This legislation represents one of the most decisive moves by President Tinubu to modernize Nigeria’s legal structure, introducing stricter accountability and upgrading professional standards.
The Senate’s adjournment also reflects long-held legislative traditions honoring departed members and underscores the weight placed on institutional respect within parliamentary practice.
