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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Evolution of Nigeria’s External Debt: From Obasanjo to Tinubu
Nigeria’s external debt profile has experienced significant shifts over the last two decades, influenced by varying economic strategies and global financial dynamics. This article examines the trajectory of Nigeria’s external debt from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (1999–2007) to the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–present), analyzing the factors behind the borrowings, their implications, […]