A legal luminary, Prof Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana SAN, has blamed entrenched systemic corruption for inefficiency of Nigerian laws.
The professor of law, who spoke at the 52nd Inaugural Lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NSUK, on Wednesday, described corruption as a major impediment to justice and legal enforcement in the country.
Speaking on the topic, “Why Laws Fail: Analyzing the Shortcomings of Nigerian Laws and the Implications for Justice,” Kana emphasized that widespread corruption across the political and judicial spheres compromises the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s legal framework.
“The deep-rooted nature of corruption distorts the fair application of the law. Funds meant to support law enforcement and judicial operations are often diverted, while some legal professionals engage in unethical practices, ultimately eroding trust in the system,” he said.
He therefore called for institutional reforms and stronger legal institutions as essential steps to reverse the damage caused by political patronage and judicial compromise.
The university, in a statement on its Facebook page, said the legal luminary stressed that an independent and politically insulated judiciary is critical to restoring public confidence in the rule of law.
“To ensure this independence, we must establish transparent processes for the appointment and removal of judges, backed by merit-based evaluations and regular performance reviews,” he said.
Kana also called for substantial investment in legal education and judicial capacity-building to enhance the competence of legal professionals in navigating modern legal challenges.
He stressed that these measures would elevate the integrity and functionality of the legal system.
He advocated for increased transparency within the legal process, including the creation of autonomous anti-corruption bodies tasked with monitoring judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities.
He expressed belief that such mechanisms will help to curb misconduct and promote accountability in the Nigerian legal system.
On judicial welfare, Kana recommended improved resource allocation to the judiciary, encompassing competitive remuneration, modern infrastructure, and the integration of technology into court systems as a way to reduce vulnerability to corruption and boost judicial efficiency.
He urged the Nigerian government to take a more deliberate and proactive approach to law enforcement, anchored on adequate funding and a resolute anti-corruption stance.
Representing the Visitor to the University and Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended Professor Kana’s distinguished career and impactful service.
Akabe described him as a dependable and hardworking figure whose tenure as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice brought remarkable transformation to the state’s legal landscape.
“Professor Kana is not just diligent, he is rugged in a positive way — always results-driven. His contributions to Nasarawa’s legal system are enduring, and we shall continue to rely on his expertise,” the deputy governor said.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Prof Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the lecture as timely and essential, given the current state of the legal system in Nigeria.
Liman noted that Professor Kana’s insights would guide critical reflections on legal reforms and justice delivery.
“There is an urgent need to re-examine our legal framework, identify existing gaps, and pursue meaningful reforms aimed at fostering equity and justice,” she said.
Dignitaries at the event include the university’s founder and former APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau; Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir; and the Accountant General of the state, Dr. Musa Mohammed Ahmed.
Also present were the state APC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; and the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Nasarawa State, Dr. Hassan Muhammad Liman, among other prominent personalities.
