The Nigerian Federal Government has spent over N1.1 billion on legal fees in the past three years. This includes payments to prominent lawyers such as Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and 23 other law firms. The figures were revealed through an analysis of government spending data by GovSpend, a civic tech platform.
These legal fees cover a wide range of services. Lawyers provide legal advice, draft documents, and represent clients in court. Their work also includes compliance, mediation, and risk management. These services are crucial for the government in various sectors, including business and real estate.
In July 2024, Babalola, Olanipekun, and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, were paid a total of N482.7 million. Babalola received N372.9 million for representing the Federal Government in a legal case. Olanipekun was paid N103.6 million, while Izinyon earned N6.2 million for similar services.
The data reveals even more payments from previous years. In 2022, 17 lawyers received N359.7 million in fees. Some of the firms that received payments include Savannah Law Chambers, Lex Habitae, and Rashida Mohammed & Co. In 2021, four lawyers received a total of N319.3 million in fees.
Both Babalola and Olanipekun paid taxes on their earnings. Babalola paid N31 million in VAT, while Olanipekun paid N8.6 million. They also paid withholding taxes, with Babalola contributing N41.4 million and Olanipekun paying N11.5 million.
These figures raise concerns about the growing cost of legal services. The payments highlight the vital role lawyers play in government affairs. However, they also raise questions about the transparency of government spending.
The Federal Government continues to rely on top legal professionals for advice and representation. As Nigeria moves forward, these legal services will remain critical. But the scale of these payments may continue to attract public scrutiny.