Foremost Nigerian Corporate lawyer, Mr George Etomi on Tuesday, November 2, 2025 reiterated the need to strengthen Nigerian public institutions, promote transparency, and foster accountability as crucial steps to address deficiencies in the governance of the country.
Etomi said this while delivering the 2025 Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) fellows lecture titled: “Law, Politics, and Economic Development: Nigeria at Crossroads”, which was held at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Etomi highlighted Nigeria’s governance struggles, citing institutional weaknesses, electoral distrust, and public disillusionment. Nigeria’s low ranking in the Rule of Law Index, according to him, indicates a need for enhanced adherence to legal principles. Addressing issues in key sectors like oil and gas, telecommunications, and banking, he underscored the importance of good governance for national development.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun remarked on the theme of the Fellows Lecture: “Law, Politics, and Economic Development: Nigeria at Crossroads,” emphasizing the pivotal role of the law in maintaining political stability, ensuring economic confidence, and upholding freedoms and responsibilities in society. She stressed that amidst Nigeria’s current socioeconomic challenges, the rule of law is paramount, particularly for the judiciary in fulfilling its vital role.
The Director General of NIALS, Professor Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan, reiterated the Institute’s dedication to excellence and societal impact. He highlighted the significance of the Fellows’ Lecture in driving scholarly discussions and promoting intellectual capacity within Nigeria’s legal system.
The Honorary Fellowship were bestowed upon four distinguished jurists and legal scholars, including two former ministers of justice: Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, and Mr. Muhammed Bello Adoke, SAN, as well as the immediate past Director General of the Institute, Professor Muhammed Twafiq Ladan, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN. These individuals were recognized for their academic achievements, professional integrity, and service to the legal community and the nation.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Prof Ladan thanked the Institute for the Honorary fellowship award and pledged continued support for research and scholarly work at the Institute. He expressed gratitude to the current Director General Prof. Abikan for sustaining the Fellows lecture.
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