Citing the difficult economic conditions in Nigeria, human rights advocate and attorney Deji Adeyanju has asked for an increase in the compensation of Nigerian attorneys.
Adeyanju claimed in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, December 21, that the minimum pay for a lawyer should be N250,000, exclusive of benefits.
He was worried that the legal profession was being devalued by law companies that paid less than this amount.
“Considering the existing state of affairs in Nigeria, no lawyer should receive a base salary of less than N250k, exclusive of other benefits,” Adeyanju said.
“Any legal practice that pays less than this is making fun of the industry.” The change we wish to see in the profession must start with us.
Adeyanju’s remark has spurred discussions both inside and outside of the legal community, bringing attention to the financial difficulties that many of the nation’s young attorneys confront.
The activist’s remark highlights the need for reforms in the legal profession to ensure equitable compensation, as inflation and the high cost of living are affecting many sectors.