The effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on the activities of legal practitioners nationwide, and the judiciary in general, in Nigeria is far-reaching. The practice of law is extremely demanding, especially for lawyers involved in litigation. It is a herculean task to start a case and conclude same in record time.
The current removal of subsidy and the attendant increase in fuel price has created a huge burden for lawyers such that it now requires more resources to prosecute already secured briefs effectively. This is a critical issue at this time, in a country like ours, where there are no social support systems available to cushion the effects of a radical policy of government on the fuel subsidy removal.
The legal practitioner in Nigeria is in a cross-road, as he grapples with his law practice to make meaning out of his many or few cases he is engaged in, with stale bargain in a new reality influence by the outcome of a policy that has increased cost tremendously. These were apparently cases/matters he undertook whilst the cost of living, in particular, transportation, was not as exorbitant as it is presently. The effect of this is that the lawyer is drained; he is professionally expected to deliver, irrespective of the sudden surge in cost of maintaining his productivity optimally.
The lawyer in the case under reference, must manage and maintain his chambers, pay salaries of staff, and make necessary increments upon same for staff support, to address the current hike in transportation occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and make provision for rental, for the chamber space. The reality of legal practice in the post subsidy regime is a huge challenge to the Judicial sector. The problem is further exacerbated by some clients who can no longer pay their lawyers, as he then relies on proceeds from his practice to shoulder his family and professional responsibilities.
The economic implication is that the profession by its very nature and demand, suffers tremendously in times like this. The aforementioned challenges highlighted so far, address more aptly, the realities of already established Law Firms. However, there are upcoming firms and young lawyers who are completely disillusioned by the high cost of living, particularly as it adversely affects them professionally. Not many law firms are employing right now and not many can pay a living wage. While there is a new legislation as it relates to the remuneration of lawyers and charges, it comes at a time when the economic challenges of the country are blatantly overwhelming.
The Courts are equally facing the brunt of the new economic reality - the Judicial workers, officials of court and the general staff in that space have to face the harsh reality of the time, as this stalls their productivity and pace of delivery in their professional duties. The cost of running the daily administrative activities of the Courts have increased in the post subsidy removal regime. There is visible adjustment everywhere to jack up activities, in a bid to brace up the affairs of men in tandem with the new reality on ground.
Whilst I have read commentaries in support of the policy, as well as the remote and immediate causes of same, I do not think the policy was a good one. Instead of plunging already impoverished people deeper into the poverty net, the Government ought to have proceeded against those manipulating and making undue illegal profits from the system, through official corruption in name of subsidy. That way, the problem is resolved and the objective of the subsidy regime will meet its target.
The approach adopted by Government is counter-productive, as it throws everyone out there on the street, fuel price was increased to about 300% just like that, following which the same Government is introducing and reviewing tax laws for which the same citizens will be compelled to pay. There should be tax holidays for Nigerians, having being made to go through the harrowing experience of a thoughtless policy of this sort.
I will therefore advocate that the Government should get our refineries working. It can never make sense to me that we have crude oil in abundance, and our best option is having same exported, just so we can import it upon higher costs. Our sheer lack of strategy, systems, methods and crass indiscipline is the reason we have to face this harsh self-inflicted economic and persisting/enduring downturn.
Evans Ufeli is a Lagos based lawyer and principal partner, The Chambers of Evans Ufeli (RABBI SOLICITORS)