AN APPRAISAL OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE UNDER THE NIGERIAN LEGAL AID ACT, 2011.

NWAEGBE, CHINOMSO MARY-ANN (2026) AN APPRAISAL OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE UNDER THE NIGERIAN LEGAL AID ACT, 2011. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

Access to justice is a cornerstone of the Nigerian legal system, yet systemic barriers such as poverty, court congestion, and unequal representation continue to impede its realization for the indigent population. This study critically examines the Legal Aid Act 2011, which established the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to provide free legal services to vulnerable citizens. Building on the earlier 1976 framework, the 2011 Act sought to address challenges despite constitutional guarantees under Sections 36 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution. High legal costs and limited state support had long denied many Nigerians justice, prompting reforms to expand eligibility, decentralize services, and integrate public defenders. The research aims to evaluate the Act’s efficacy in bridging access-to-justice gaps. Key objectives include examining provisions on eligibility and funding, assessing implementation challenges through case studies and stakeholder insights, and proposing reforms. It adopts a doctrinal legal research methodology, complemented by qualitative analysis of statutes, judicial decisions, Legal Aid Council reports, and secondary sources like academic journals. Due to time constraints, no empirical fieldwork was conducted. Findings show that while the Act has improved legal representation in criminal matters and raised awareness in urban centers, it falls short in rural areas due to inadequate funding, bureaucratic delays, insufficient legal practitioners, and low public enlightenment. Recommendations include amending the Act for sustainable funding, mandatory pro bono work by private lawyers, digitalization of services, and stronger NGO collaboration to ensure equitable access and reinforce the rule of law in Nigeria.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law
Depositing User: COMFORT AJALA
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2026 11:47
Last Modified: 24 Jul 2026 11:47
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5940

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