The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has called for ethically guided approach to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.
The association emphasized the need for robust regulatory safeguards to prevent potential misuse and negative consequences.
This was contained in a 17-point communiqué issued at the end of MULAN’s 16th Annual General Conference, held in Ilorin, Kwara State, from May 15th to 18th, 2025 and signed by Akinwale Akinlabi, the Secretary General of the association.
While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI, particularly in areas such as legal research and case management, MULAN warned that AI must not be allowed to replace human reasoning or judicial discretion.
“The Bar and the Bench should embrace AI as a complementary tool—not as a substitute for judicial reasoning or human discretion,” the communiqué stated.
MULAN stressed the importance of continuous professional development for lawyers, urging them to invest in modern technologies to remain relevant in an evolving legal landscape, nothing that “AI’s integration into legal practice must be carefully managed to avoid professional, ethical, and legal pitfalls.”
The body further stated that Nigerian lawyers must adapt to hybrid roles that combine legal expertise with technological proficiency.
“The lawyer of the future must be tech-literate and skilled in leveraging AI for efficiency, while upholding ethical standards and human values,” it added.
MULAN also called on the government at all levels to initiate legislative reforms and invest in AI infrastructure to align Nigeria with global technological advancements.
MULAN also advocated for collaborative legal practice and mentorship, noting that the era of one-man law firms is becoming obsolete. “Teamwork, partnerships, and intergenerational mentorship are essential to improving client service, sustainability, and professional development,” the body noted.
Reaffirming the constitutional protection of Islamic personal law in Nigeria, MULAN emphasized that Muslims have the right to resolve personal matters according to their religious beliefs.
While commending the efforts of Sharia Panels in Southwest Nigeria, the association noted their limitations, describing them as arbitral bodies without the formal authority of courts and lacking an appellate structure.
The communique added that, “in view of the substantial Muslim population in the Southwest, MULAN urges state governments in the region to enact the necessary legislative and administrative reforms to establish Sharia Courts of competent jurisdiction, including Sharia Courts of Appeal, in accordance with constitutional provisions.”
