It is no longer news that I am going to be a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (a title that would confer the authority and the legal right of carrying out legal services in Nigeria). And the prestige of being an Attorney is really overwhelming.
Meanwhile, the flip side of it, working as an entry level Attorneys in Nigeria is really belittling if not discouraging!
Let me digress a bit, Minimum Wage in Nigeria is about Thirty Thousand Naira to Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (#30,000-35,000) per worker depending on your sector. If you’re lucky to be a Federal or State worker, you are entitled to that (depending on your cadre) - that is Public Sector.
Things are a little bit different in the Private Sector as most organizations/firms are being established by a sole proprietor or joint partners. The discretion is left to the managing board or partners of the firm to decide whether they’re going to pay as regards the MW yardstick or not.
P.S: If not for the numerous wailing of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that made this present administration implemented the minimum wage scheme. Most people would still be working under a coarse system. Working like an elephant, and getting paid like an ant.
That analogy is what an ordinary Nigerian Attorney at the entry level go through; “working as an elephant, and getting paid like an ant”
As a compulsory requirement for each graduate in Nigeria (those who are below the age of 30) are expected to serve their father’s land.
The Federal government has a scheme called - National Youth Service Corp (NYSC).
I am currently a corp member who is expected to have at least 1-year of experience in my legal field during the NYSC program (about 3-6 months to lapse)
Ideally, I sent out my applications to firms who are interested in taking in Corp members like me (as Attorney) in their firms.
Interestingly, I got a firm (I will withhold the name for some reason). But the unbelievable part is that, I will be paid Fifteen Thousand Naira (#15,000) per month.
Not like I am hearing this for the first time, but I’m experiencing it myself. And it is disgusting. Ironically, one who think an Attorney should be well paid, get an insurance cover, health insurance, incentives and so. But reverse is the case in Nigeria as most firms owned by big wigs (especially Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs) are the ones perpetrating this evil.
Really, I do not have a choice than to take up the role for the experience sake and completing my NYSC program for this period.
I wish there is something I could do to unturned this unethical work-life given to young attorneys in Nigeria. But I will keep writing my thoughts on the chain and one day when I will be vying for the post of the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); I will make things right for the young attorneys.