Kaduna, Nigeria – At the recently concluded NBA Young Lawyers Summit held by the Kaduna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, the legal community turned its attention to a pressing theme: “Thriving in the Nigerian Legal Market: Opportunities for Young Lawyers.” Among the distinguished speakers was Mr. Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, a renowned legal practitioner and former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, who participated as a panelist, sharing insights into leveraging digital innovation for legal growth.
The Summit took place against the backdrop of an expanding legal profession. In 2025, approximately 9,000 lawyers are projected to be called to the Nigerian Bar, up from 4,412 in 2024 and 4,711 in 2023, according to the Chairman of the Body of Benchers. While these figures highlight the increasing vibrancy of the Nigerian Bar, they also signal intense competition in a market with limited traditional opportunities.
The digital age is no longer coming—it is here. And lawyers must evolve with it.” — Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
The Digital Age and the Law: A New Imperative
In his contribution, Mr. Yemi Akangbe emphasized the critical role of digital awareness and technological fluency in the future of legal practice. As a legal expert specializing in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, and arbitration, Akangbe has also been an advocate for legal reforms that address contemporary challenges, including data protection and cybersecurity.
He urged young lawyers to view digital skills not merely as complementary but as core competencies essential for thriving in a changing legal environment. “The digital age is no longer coming—it is here. And lawyers must evolve with it,” he remarked.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Data Protection and Cybersecurity
The presentation reviewed the key legislative instruments guiding Nigeria’s digital legal ecosystem:
Data Protection Frameworks
- Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended): Protects the right to privacy.
- Freedom of Information Act (2011): Balances transparency with personal data confidentiality.
- CBN Consumer Protection Regulations (2019): Mandate strong data safeguards in financial institutions.
- NITDA NDPR (2019): Nigeria’s first comprehensive data privacy regulation.
- Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023: A landmark law aligning with global standards like the GDPR, codifying principles such as lawfulness, transparency, purpose limitation, and accountability in data processing.
“Digital skills are not optional—they are essential. Young lawyers must see themselves as architects of Nigeria’s digital legal future.” — Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
Cybersecurity Legal Framework
The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 remains Nigeria’s primary legislation for addressing digital crimes. It criminalizes:
- Unauthorized access to systems (Section 6),
- Data disruption (Section 8),
- Cyberstalking and harassment (Section 24),
- Phishing and malware attacks (Section 32).
Enforcement is supported by multiple agencies, including the NDPC, CBN, EFCC, NCC, and the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Unit.
Legal Practice in the Digital Age: Advice to Young Lawyers
Mr. Akangbe and other panelists highlighted how young lawyers can position themselves strategically in this tech-driven legal landscape:
- Stay informed on data and cybersecurity regulations.
- Provide advisory services to businesses navigating compliance with NDPA and Cybercrime laws.
- Develop privacy-by-design frameworks, draft data processing agreements, and represent clients in tech-related disputes.
- Engage with legal communities online, write thought-leadership articles, and leverage platforms such as ICLE for continuous professional development.
Who is Yemi Akangbe?
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe is a seasoned legal practitioner and partner at Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore. He holds:
- LL.B from University of Wolverhampton,
- LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Westminster,
- MBA from the University of South Wales.
He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and has served in various leadership roles within the NBA, including Chairmanship of the Lagos Branch. His career is marked by advocacy for law reform, tech inclusion in the legal space, and mentoring young lawyers.
“Young lawyers should be creators of legal content, not just consumers. Write, speak, and share knowledge—be visible in the digital space.” – Yemi Akangbe, SAN
A Call to Action
As Nigeria evolves into Africa’s largest digital economy, the role of lawyers in protecting digital rights, upholding data privacy, and fighting cybercrime is more important than ever. The NBA Kaduna Summit reinforced that young lawyers must not just participate in this shift—they must lead it.
With speakers like Yemi Akangbe guiding the discourse, the summit empowered a new generation of legal minds to merge tradition with technology and redefine legal excellence in Nigeria’s digital future.
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