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By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News The Federal High Court has reportedly nullified Delta State's imposition of a 5% consumption tax on transactions already subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) , reigniting legal discussions over multiple taxation and the constitutional distribution of taxing powers between the federal and state governments. According to reports, the court invalidated the challenged consumption tax provisions, raising questions about the legality of imposing additional state taxes on transactions already covered by federal VAT legislation. The development brings renewed attention to the longstanding controversy surrounding fiscal federalism, particularly the extent to which state governments may independently impose and collect consumption taxes. Constitutional and Legal Implications Under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) , legislative and taxation powers are distributed between the federal and state ...

By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News The Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee (LPPC) has reportedly commenced the application process for the 2027 conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), inviting qualified legal practitioners across the country to apply for elevation. According to reports, applicants from private legal practice are required to pay an application fee of ₦5 million , while applicants in government legal service are expected to pay ₦2.5 million . The deadline for submission of applications has reportedly been fixed for 31st January 2027 . SAN Rank: Recognition of Professional Excellence The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria represents one of the highest professional distinctions available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. Conferred pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act and applicable guidelines, the rank recognises outstanding professional achievement, distinction in legal advocacy and contributions to ...

By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has invited young lawyers and undergraduate law students across Nigeria to participate in its 2026 Essay, Poetry and Spoken Word Competition , organised as part of activities marking its Annual Conference scheduled for 9–13 November 2026 in Umuahia, Abia State . The competition, themed “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development,” seeks to promote intellectual engagement, creativity and advocacy on issues of justice, accountability and sustainable development. Participants will compete in essay writing, poetry and spoken word performances under two categories: young lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar between 2018 and 2026, and undergraduate law students. Winners in each subcategory will receive cash prizes of ₦75,000, ₦50,000 and ₦25,000 for first, second and third positions, respectively, alongside certifica...

By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah , has forwarded an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly seeking to amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, Cap. 101, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004 , in a move aimed at strengthening tenancy regulations, protecting tenants and promoting transparency in the state's housing sector. The development was disclosed by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu , in a statement published on his official Facebook page. According to the Speaker, the proposed legislation seeks to address longstanding challenges associated with landlord-tenant relationships, particularly excessive agency and legal fees, arbitrary rent increases, disputes over caution deposits and the activities of unregulated property agents. He disclosed that a similar bill sponsored by Hon. Anthony Okey Mbah, Member representing Nkanu East State Constituency...

Reporter: Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. 26 October 2026 | Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), has called on legal practitioners, residents of the Federal Capital Territory and the general public to remain calm, health-conscious and vigilant following the confirmation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Abuja. The appeal comes amid encouraging reports from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare that Nigeria's confirmed Ebola patient is showing signs of recovery, while health authorities continue efforts to prevent further transmission. Although the development offers reassurance, the Branch has emphasised that the absence of confirmed community transmission should not be mistaken for the complete elimination of risk. HOW THE CURRENT EBOLA OUTBREAK BEGAN The latest Ebola outbreak has renewed concerns about public health preparedness across Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an outbreak of Ebola Virus D...

By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News October 25, 2026 The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) is set to host an array of distinguished legal luminaries, political leaders, judicial officers and public policy experts at its 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State. The conference, themed “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy & Development,” promises to provide a platform for critical discussions on the rule of law, democratic governance, institutional accountability and sustainable national development. Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN , is expected to deliver the keynote address on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a session chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Suleiman Galadima, OFR, CFR. The keynote presentation will attract responses from renowned political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder...