The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), the beacon of legal support for indigent Nigerians, reported substantial progress in its mission to provide access to justice in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the council handled 6,709 cases, demonstrating a significant commitment to its mandate. Of these, 4,120 cases were successfully concluded, representing a considerable achievement in ensuring timely justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation. These cases encompassed a range of legal issues, including 4,123 criminal cases, of which 2,915 were completed, and 2,486 civil cases, with 1,205 reaching completion. This highlights LACON’s dedication to serving a diverse population facing various legal challenges. The council attributed these positive results to the dedication of its legal aid officers and the partnerships fostered with other justice stakeholders, including the National Human Rights Commission and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Building on the momentum gained in 2023, LACON witnessed a further increase in its caseload in 2024, handling a total of 7,140 cases. This surge reflects both the growing demand for legal aid services and the council’s expanding capacity to meet this need. Significantly, the council embraced alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a means of resolving 485 cases, fostering amicable solutions and promoting social harmony. This approach underscores LACON’s commitment not just to resolving disputes, but also to building stronger communities through peaceful conflict resolution.
Beyond its traditional legal aid services, LACON made significant strides in defending individuals accused of terrorism. Recognizing the importance of ensuring a fair trial for all, regardless of the charges, LACON lawyers represented 350 defendants in terrorism-related cases across various locations, including Kainji, Abuja, and Maiduguri. This commitment to due process and human rights is particularly crucial in complex and sensitive cases such as these. The report detailed specific instances of LACON’s intervention in terrorism cases: 150 defendants in Kainji in July 2024, 22 defendants in Wawa Cantonment, Kainji, in February 2024, 28 suspects in Dawaki, Abuja, in December 2023, and a combined 150 defendants in Maiduguri between March and May 2024. These figures underscore the council’s active and ongoing involvement in this critical area of legal representation.
LACON’s efforts extended beyond criminal defence and into other critical areas of social justice. The council recovered over ₦9.7 million in third-party insurance claims for road accident victims through its One Stop Shop for Victims of Motor Accidents. This initiative demonstrates a practical and impactful approach to supporting vulnerable individuals affected by unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, LACON partnered with UNICEF to resolve cases involving 44 children and young adults in custodial centres, highlighting the council’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of minors within the justice system. This collaborative effort demonstrates the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing complex social issues.
In an effort to expand its reach and enhance its service delivery, LACON implemented several strategic initiatives. A digitized registration system facilitated a substantial increase in pro bono lawyers, with 251 volunteers offering their services in 2024. This signifies a growing recognition of LACON’s important work and a willingness within the legal profession to contribute to the provision of free legal services. In addition, LACON intensified its community engagement efforts, conducting grassroots sensitisation initiatives to raise awareness about its free legal services and ensure that those who need assistance know where to find it. This proactive approach aims to reach vulnerable populations who might not otherwise be aware of the available support.
Despite these achievements, LACON identified inadequate funding as a persistent challenge hindering its operations and impacting staff welfare. This financial constraint poses a significant threat to the council’s ability to sustain its current level of service and expand to meet the increasing demand for legal aid. However, LACON expressed optimism about the prospect of increased budgetary allocations in 2025, following assurances from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). This anticipated increase in funding would provide much-needed resources to strengthen the council’s capacity and ensure that it can continue to deliver vital legal services to indigent Nigerians.
