The Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Justice, has allocated approximately N1.1 billion in professional fees over three years to prominent lawyers, including Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and 23 other law firms, according to data from GovSpend, a civic tech platform that monitors government spending.
Professional legal services generally cover tasks such as providing legal advice, drafting documents, representing clients in court, and managing regulatory compliance, advocacy, and risk management. These services form the foundation for the significant payments detailed in the report.
In July 2024, Chief Afe Babalola, Wole Olanipekun, and Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) collectively received N482.7 million for services provided to the Federal Ministry of Justice. A breakdown of the payments shows that Babalola was paid N372.9 million on July 23 for representing the government in the case FHC/ABJ/SC/8962/2023. Olanipekun received N103.6 million on July 26, while Izinyon was paid N6.2 million three days later.
The report also highlights payments from prior years. In 2022, the Ministry of Justice disbursed N359.7 million to 17 lawyers. Among the recipients were firms such as Savannah Law Chambers (N17.4 million), Lex Habitae (N21.8 million), Rashida Mohammed & Co (N17.4 million), and Abdullahi Haruna & Co (N17.4 million). LDS Legal received N70.9 million, while other firms like King’s Chambers, Iwuanyanwu & Co, and Justice Solicitors & Attorneys received payments ranging from N15.7 million to N31.4 million.
In 2021, a total of N319.3 million was distributed to four lawyers, including N174 million to Chikwendu Madumere, N21.8 million to LDS Legal, N21.8 million to Olowolafe & Co, and N100.5 million to Sulaiman Salihu & Co.
As part of their professional fees, both Afe Babalola and Wole Olanipekun fulfilled their tax obligations by paying 7.5% VAT—N31 million and N8.6 million, respectively—and 10% withholding tax—N41.4 million and N11.5 million, respectively—to the relevant authorities.
