Catholic Lawyers in Nigeria Urged to Embrace Profession as a Vocation for Evangelization and Justice

Barrister Orgah noted that Catholic lawyers, by integrating their spiritual lives with their professional actions, can help “establish a Kingdom of justice, love, and peace on earth.”

He emphasized the importance of Catholic Social Teaching, describing it as a “foundation for societal stability.”

“The principles in Catholic Social Teaching are rooted in the Bible and Church traditions and can transform the world if universally embraced,” he said. 

The NACL President lamented that the principles are “not sufficiently adopted, even within the Church.”

The NACL, founded in 2001 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), plays an important role in supporting the Church’s mission in Nigeria. 

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Barrister Orgah noted that Catholic lawyers assist the Church with legal counsel, civic education, and pro bono services, often intervening in critical legal disputes. 

He cited recent cases in which Catholic lawyers in Nigeria came in to help, including securing the release of a Priest in the Diocese of Awka and in addressing land disputes in the Dioceses of Abakaliki and Ibadan.

In addition to defending Church interests, Catholic lawyers are involved in ensuring proper legal documentation for Church properties, drafting agreements, and supporting initiatives through collaborations with organizations such as the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC).

Barrister Orgah urged Catholic lawyers to embody values of love, integrity, and discipline in their practice, saying, “By exemplifying these values, Catholic lawyers can transform not only the justice system but also society at large.”

He called on the Catholic lawyers to dedicate their work to God’s guidance in the new legal year.

“We prepare ourselves for this special function, committing the year into God’s hands, so our practice of the faith and profession exemplifies our vocational call for the common good,” Barrister Orgah said.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.