2026 Law Week: Practitioners Brainstorm on Legal Peculiarities in Nigeria and Canada
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, LAWAL PEDRO, has acknowledged that laws are made to suit different environments, despite similarities in governance systems.
LAWAL PEDRO made the observation in view of the differences in the legal systems in Nigeria and Canada, despite that the two nations are operating federal systems of governance.
PEDRO, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, made the observation in a brief remark in reaction to a presentation by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba province in Canada, MATT WIEBE.
The keynote presentation by MATT WIEBE was the highlight of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week celebration of the Nigerian Bar Association, Eti-Osa Branch, held in Victoria Island earlier today.
The presentation focused on the 2026 Law Week theme, "Law as Business, Law as Justice: Profitability, Ethics and Human Rights in a Changing World.”
MATT WIEBE, together with his First and Second Assistant Justice Ministers of Manitoba, explored the unique legal system in the province, which is tailored to address the peculiarities of their jurisdiction.
WIEBE and his colleagues made specific references to lingering dispute involving original settlers in the provinces, and legal interventions to minimize the high level of incarcerations through restorative justice mechanisms.
In his intervention; the Lagos State Attorney General, LAWAL PEDRO, said the presentations by the Canadian law officers reflect the dynamism and peculiarities of the federal system of government in Canada in comparison to what is obtainable in Nigeria.
In his remarks; the NBA Eti-Osa Branch Chairman, OLANREWAJU OBADINA, explained the choice of the Manitoba Attorney General and Minister of Justice as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Law Week event.
OLANREWAJU OBADINA also said the engagement with the Canadians is also tailored towards creating a pathway for young Nigerians lawyers who may want to ply their trade across jurisdictions.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, OLANREWAJU OBADINA said "the legal profession stands at a critical intersection. On one hand, lawyers must operate in an increasingly competitive and evolving marketplace where sustainability, innovation, technology, and profitability have become indispensable. On the other hand, we remain custodians of justice, defenders of the rule of law, protectors of human rights, and guardians of ethical standards."
OBADINA said the question before participants was not whether law is a business or a vehicle for justice, but how to successfully balance both imperatives without compromising the values that define the noble profession.
"As legal practitioners, we must build thriving practices capable of rewarding excellence and supporting the next generation of lawyers. Yet, in pursuing profitability, we must never lose sight of our sacred responsibility to uphold justice, defend the vulnerable, and preserve the integrity of the legal system" he noted.
"In today's rapidly changing world, characterized by technological disruption, artificial intelligence, globalization, economic uncertainty, and evolving human rights challenges, the legal profession must adapt while remaining firmly anchored to its ethical foundations.
"This Law Week presents an opportunity for meaningful reflection on these issues. It provides a platform for robust discussions, exchange of ideas, and collaborative solutions that will shape the future of legal practice in Nigeria and beyond.
"Over the course of this week, we shall engage with distinguished speakers, policymakers, jurists, academics, and legal practitioners who will share valuable insights on the future of the profession. We shall explore how lawyers can remain profitable without sacrificing ethics, how justice can remain accessible in a commercially driven environment, and how human rights can be protected amid rapid societal transformation."
The Eti-Osa NBA Chairman said he was particularly delighted that this year's programme reflects the diversity and unity of our Branch. From our interfaith activities, health and wellness initiatives, professional development sessions, public interest engagements, networking opportunities, and social events, this Law Week embodies the spirit of a vibrant and progressive Bar.