Former Lagos State Governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has urged legal professionals to take a more prominent role in tackling Nigeria’s worsening security situation, saying responsibility for combating crime should not rest solely on elected officials and security agencies.
Fashola made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch Law Week held in Lagos.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics,” the former governor emphasized the need for greater collaboration among lawyers, judges and policymakers to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system and security framework.
He specifically called on attorneys-general at both federal and state levels to become more active in public discussions on security and the administration of justice, noting that their positions place them at the heart of the criminal justice system.
“The responsibility for addressing insecurity cannot be left only to presidents, governors and security agencies.
“Attorneys-general must be seen and heard more often on issues of security and criminal justice because they occupy strategic positions in the administration of justice,” he said.
Fashola explained that effective crime-fighting depends on coordinated efforts among all arms of government, stressing that legal practitioners have a vital role in shaping policies and ensuring laws are properly enforced.
“The fight against crime is not merely about making arrests. It involves prevention, detection, prosecution and ultimately conviction. If any part of that chain is weak, public safety is compromised,” he said.
He also questioned the current pattern of accountability in security matters, observing that public scrutiny is often directed at political leaders while key legal institutions receive little attention.
“We often ask what the President is doing or what the governor is doing, but we seldom ask what the Attorney-General is doing.
Yet the Attorney-General is a central figure in the criminal justice system,” he noted.
According to Fashola, insecurity is closely linked to broader governance issues, warning that sustainable economic growth and social advancement cannot be achieved without a strong commitment to the rule of law.
“You cannot build a prosperous society without a strong legal framework. Security, investment and development are all connected to the effectiveness of our institutions and the enforcement of our laws,” he said.
The former Minister of Works and Housing further advocated stricter compliance with vehicle registration laws, describing unidentified vehicles on public roads as a major obstacle to effective policing and crime prevention.
“Number plates are not merely administrative requirements; they are instruments of accountability.
When vehicles are properly identified, law enforcement agencies are better equipped to investigate and prevent crime,” he said.
Fashola maintained that governance standards in the country would improve considerably if existing laws were consistently enforced and institutions allowed to function independently and effectively.
“The quality of governance we experience is often a reflection of how seriously we enforce our laws. Strong institutions and clear legal processes create confidence, enhance security and encourage economic growth,” he stated.
Speaking on the Law Week theme, “Altering the Status Quo: Going Against the Norm,” he challenged lawyers to reassess certain professional practices, particularly the use of legal terminology that may not be easily understood by the public.
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He cited the commonly used phrase “status quo” in court proceedings as an example, arguing that simpler language would improve public understanding of legal decisions.
“When a court says maintain the status quo, different people often interpret it differently. Why not simply say maintain the current situation? The law should communicate clearly to those it affects,” he said.
Fashola urged members of the NBA to move beyond discussions and play a more direct role in driving legal and institutional reforms that can strengthen governance and rebuild public trust.
“Lawyers are uniquely positioned to shape national development because they interpret, enforce and advise on the law. We must therefore move from conversation to action,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniji Quadri, described the theme of the Law Week as a relevant call for legal practitioners and policymakers to adopt fresh approaches in confronting governance and security challenges.
“The theme calls on us to examine whether our existing institutions, processes and assumptions are still capable of delivering justice and meeting the expectations of Nigerians,” Quadri said.
He added that the legal profession must continue to assess the performance of public institutions, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic difficulties and security concerns.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Law Week Planning Committee, Mr Chukwudi Enebeli, said the event was structured to encourage robust discussions on governance, accountability and national development.
“This year’s Law Week is intended to provoke critical conversations and generate practical ideas that can contribute to improving governance and strengthening public institutions,” Enebeli said.
Enebeli disclosed that the week-long programme would host several notable speakers and policymakers, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and would also feature a memorial lecture by human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.
The 2026 NBA Ikeja Law Week will continue with a range of sessions centred on governance reform, economic development, institutional accountability and the contribution of the legal profession to Nigeria’s future.