The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed renewed concern over the increasing use of artificial intelligence in legal practice, warning that unregulated adoption of the technology could undermine professional ethics, client confidentiality, and the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
The warning was issued by the Chairman of the NBA Bauchi Branch, Rabiu Garba, during the 2026 Annual Law Week, where legal practitioners gathered to discuss emerging trends in the profession. Garba noted that AI tools are now widely used by lawyers for legal research, document drafting, and case analysis, but stressed that their use without clear regulation poses serious risks.
He explained that one of the most pressing challenges is AI systems’ tendency to generate inaccurate or misleading legal information. This includes false case citations, incorrect legal interpretations, and fabricated authorities, which can mislead practitioners who fail to independently verify such outputs before using them in court or advisory work.
Garba also raised concerns about client confidentiality, warning that using third-party AI platforms could expose sensitive legal information if appropriate safeguards are not in place. He noted that many legal practitioners may not fully understand how AI systems process, store, or reuse data, thereby increasing the risk of unintended ethical violations.
The NBA further highlighted the issue of algorithmic bias in AI systems, stating that such bias can reinforce unfair outcomes and weaken trust in the justice system. It also warned that overdependence on AI tools may gradually erode essential legal skills, including legal reasoning, critical analysis, and advocacy, especially among younger practitioners.
According to the association, Nigeria currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically governing the use of artificial intelligence in legal practice. This gap, it said, creates uncertainty and inconsistency in how AI is applied across law firms and courts.
The NBA recalled that initial steps have been taken to address technology-related challenges, including the introduction of practice guidelines by the NBA Section on Legal Practice in 2024. It said these efforts are part of a broader attempt to ensure that legal professionals adapt responsibly to technological change.
The association called for the development of clear, enforceable regulatory policies governing AI use in legal work. These should include standards for verifying AI-generated content, protecting client data, and ensuring mandatory human oversight in legal decision-making processes.
It also urged continuous capacity-building for legal practitioners to improve their understanding of artificial intelligence, its limitations, and ethical implications. The NBA emphasised that AI should be used strictly as an assistive tool and not as a replacement for human legal judgment.
The association reaffirmed that while artificial intelligence offers efficiency and innovation in legal practice, its use must be carefully regulated to safeguard professional integrity, uphold ethical standards, and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
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