Protection of Linguistic Diversity & Access to Justice for All through Pro Bono: Case Study of Nigeria (International Federation of Women Lawyers & Nigerian Law School Law Clinics)

Abstract

Access to justice for the indigent in Nigeria has been a growing concern over the years and has drawn governmental and private efforts towards achieving this feat. Civil societies and law clinics have also taken advantage of this opportunity to centre their activities towards meeting these needs. Indeed, a lot has been done through the instrumentality of these groups amidst growing challenges one of which is the hindrance caused by the inability to adequately communicate in a language common to these service providers and the recipients of their services especially in a country with over 400 indigenous languages. This article therefore through empirical and doctrinal research, probes what these challenges are, in the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria, for the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) – a civil society - and the Law Clinics run by the Nigerian Law School. It explores the constitutional framework with respect to the recognition of the use of indigenous languages. It also identifies the pragmatic approach utilised by FIDA and the law clinics in addressing these challenges, and makes recommendations on how these language challenges can be surmounted to an extent to enhance access to justice. It affirms that harnessing the use of indigenous languages for enhanced life and livelihood is crucial to national development.