Practice & Commentary
Stop and Search in Nigeria: Between National Security and Civil Liberties
Introduction “Officer, what did I do wrong?” is a question countless Nigerians have asked when flagged down at checkpoints or stopped on the streets. In Nigeria today, stop and search operations—especially by the police and other security agencies—are a routine part of law enforcement. However, while these operations are intended to prevent crime and maintain order, they are often marred by arbitrariness, abuse, extortion, and grave human rights violations. This article examines the legal framework […]
The Professional Etiquette of Titles: Why Nigerian Lawyers Cannot Use “Barrister” as a Prefix While Engineers Use “Engr.”
Introduction In Nigeria, professional titles are a significant part of identity and recognition. However, the legal profession stands apart from others in its strict prohibition against using “Barrister” as a prefix before a lawyer’s name. This restriction, upheld by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the courts, contrasts with other professions—such as engineering and architecture—where prefixes like “Engr.” and “Arc.” are commonly accepted. This article examines: The legal basis for banning “Barrister” as a prefix. Why other professions (Engr., Arc., Dr.) freely use […]
The Two Largest Economies in Africa
Nigeria and South Africa are the two largest economies in Africa, but they have different economic structures, strengths, and challenges. Below is a comparison and contrast of their economies: GDP & Economic Size Factor Nigeria South Africa Nominal GDP (2024) $395 billion $401 billion Real GDP Growth (2024 est.) ~3.3% ~1.2% GDP Per Capita ~$1,700 ~$6,700 Nigeria has a larger population but lower GDP per capita, indicating lower average income levels. South Africa has a […]
Legal Justice, Technical Justice, and Real Justice: Understanding the Differences
Justice is a fundamental concept in law and society, yet its interpretation and application often vary depending on the context. While the legal system is designed to uphold justice, different forms of justice—legal justice, technical justice, and real justice—sometimes lead to different outcomes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring fairness and equity in legal proceedings and societal governance. Legal Justice: SUMMARY: Legal justice refers to the justice administered according to the law. It […]
The Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) in Nigeria: Impact, Compliance, and Strategic Considerations”
In recent years, many countries have introduced policies aimed at regulating the employment of foreign workers, often with the dual objectives of protecting local labor markets and generating revenue for national development. One such policy is the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), a fiscal measure implemented by governments to manage the influx of expatriate workers and ensure a balanced workforce. This article delves into the concept of the EEL, its objectives, implications, and the broader impact on […]