LIMITATIONS OF THE LEGAL AID COUNCIL OF NIGERIA: NEED FOR ACTION PLAN

Abstract

Equality of all persons before the law is a notorious human right principle geared towards ensuring that all persons regardless of their financial, mental, social and political status are accorded equal protection under the law. Enjoyment of this equal protection is largely dependent on the availability of equal opportunities to access the law. Regrettably, economic inequality has hampered the accessibility of many Nigerians to the law, and invariably their right to equality before the law which has necessitated the birth of the Legal Aid Council to render help to the indigent within the justice system. Despite the establishment of the Council and the notable efforts made by it in the discharging its functions under the Legal Aid Act and other relevant laws, the gap between the objectives of the Council and their fulfilment remains conspicuously wide, hence, a study on the limitations of the Council with a view to recommending an action plan for realisation of the objectives of the Council, becomes imperative. The major challenge faced by the Council is insufficiency of funds to effectively carry out its mandate. It is, therefore, recommended inter alia, that government should step up with the budget allocated for legal aid and also liaise with non-governmental agencies for support in this area.