Tools and Modern Dimensions of Effective Public-Interest Advocacy in a Democratic Society

By Sylvester Udemezue

INTRODUCTION

Public-interest advocacy has become a central feature of modern democratic societies. It is the mechanism by which concerned individuals, groups, and organizations advance issues that affect broad segments of society, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. In Nigeria, the concept is often confused with mere public-interest litigation, thereby reducing the vast scope of advocacy to the narrow confines of court actions. Unfortunately, this misconception has led to abuse, as some lawyers unnecessarily clog the courts with frivolous lawsuits disguised as public-interest matters. This essay argues that true public-interest advocacy transcends litigation and requires a holistic strategy that integrates research, grassroots mobilization, policy engagement, and reform-oriented initiatives.

CONCEPT OF PUBLIC-INTEREST ADVOCACY

Public-interest advocacy refers to deliberate efforts aimed at influencing policies, laws, institutions, and social practices to promote justice, equity, and the collective welfare. As Justice Bhagwati of the Indian Supreme Court once noted, public-interest initiatives are designed to “vindicate the rights of the voiceless and powerless in society.”(i) While litigation is an important component, advocacy embraces non-judicial mechanisms that target systemic change. The Nigerian legal community, especially the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), must therefore rethink its approach and embrace broader advocacy tools.

EFFECTIVE TOOLS OF PUBLIC-INTEREST ADVOCACY

1. Legislative and Policy Advocacy: Engaging the legislature remains a primary tool for systemic change. Lawyers and civil society actors can draft bills, make presentations at public hearings, or lobby lawmakers to enact progressive laws. For example, advocacy by civil society contributed to the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, a milestone in Nigeria’s governance reform.
2. Strategic Litigation: Litigation retains its importance, particularly when carefully chosen cases can set legal precedents or compel government compliance. Cases such as Fawehinmi v Akilu (ii) and SERAP v Federal Republic of Nigeria (iii) emonstrate how public-interest litigation can advance human rights and accountability. The key, however, is strategy: selecting cases with potential for widespread impact, not just for publicity. Thus the option of litigation should be pursued only when necessary or it has the potential for great, positive impact or other avenues for resolution have failed.
3. Public Education and Awareness Campaigns: Advocacy must inform and empower the public. Workshops, seminars, town-hall meetings, and publications can demystify complex legal issues and create grassroots ownership. For instance, widespread public campaigns were crucial to the acceptance of the Child Rights Act 2003 in various states.
4. Media Engagement: Traditional and social media are indispensable in shaping public opinion. The “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign, largely driven by social media, illustrates how media pressure can influence government action on issues of public importance.
5. Coalition-Building and Partnerships: Collaborative action often yields greater impact than isolated efforts. Coalitions such as the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in election monitoring, or partnerships between the NBA and civil society, demonstrate how networks amplify voices and strengthen advocacy.
6. Community Mobilization: Sustainable advocacy is community-driven. Without grassroots participation, advocacy risks elitism. Community-based paralegal schemes, such as those pioneered in parts of Africa, empower rural communities to assert their rights and demand accountability.
7. Research and Documentation: Advocacy requires evidence. Data-driven reports, position papers, and documentation of abuses strengthen credibility and ensure interventions are fact-based. For instance, the CLEEN Foundation’s reports on police reform in Nigeria provide invaluable resources for rights-based advocacy.
8. Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms: Public-interest advocacy also involves consistent monitoring of government actions, budgets, and implementation of laws. The Open Government Partnership (OGP), to which Nigeria is a signatory, provides a framework for such monitoring. Local mechanisms could be developed
9. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): In contexts where litigation is slow or inaccessible, ADR can be employed to resolve systemic issues. Besides, ADR is preferable for a number of reasons. Community mediation initiatives, for example, can address land disputes, consumer rights, and environmental conflicts without prolonged litigation.
10. Writing as a Tool in Public-Interest Advocacy: Writing is one of the most powerful tools of public-interest advocacy. Through articles, opinion pieces, policy briefs, petitions, and open letters, advocates can shape public opinion, spotlight neglected issues, and pressure decision-makers into action. Unlike litigation, which speaks mainly to judges, writing speaks to society at large: mobilising communities, educating the public, and influencing policymakers. Well-researched and persuasive writing frames issues clearly, offers practical solutions, and keeps them alive in public discourse until change is achieved. In this way, writing becomes both a tool of enlightenment and a catalyst for reform. Advocacy writing may take the form of academic, journalistic, and policy writing, among others.
11. Constructive public engagement and dialogue: These are vital tools in public-interest advocacy. Unlike litigation, which is adversarial and often slow, dialogue offers a collaborative platform where advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders can exchange views, identify concerns, and negotiate solutions. It builds trust, reduces resistance, and encourages policymakers to take ownership of reforms, making outcomes more sustainable. Importantly, constructive engagement saves costs and time while preserving relationships, ensuring that advocacy remains focused on solutions rather than confrontation. In many cases, a well-coordinated dialogue achieves more lasting change than years of court battles
12. Public Speaking: Public speaking is a strategic tool in public-interest advocacy because it allows advocates to communicate ideas directly, persuasively, and passionately to diverse audiences. Through speeches at conferences, town halls, media engagements, or community meetings, advocates can raise awareness, mobilise public support, and influence decision-makers. Unlike writing, which is read privately, public speaking has the power of immediacy and emotional connection: it humanises issues, gives them urgency, and inspires collective action. A well-delivered speech can rally communities, shift public opinion, and place pressure on authorities to act.
13. The list is not exhaustive.

CORE ASPECTS OF EFFECTIVE PUBLIC-INTEREST ADVOCACY

1. Focus on Genuine Public Good: Advocacy must serve collective interests, not personal or partisan gains.
2. Evidence-Based Engagement: Without facts and data, advocacy loses credibility.
3. Inclusiveness: The voices of affected communities must be central, not peripheral.
4. Sustainability: Efforts should translate into long-term institutional reform.
5. Accountability: Advocates themselves must be transparent and ethical.
6. Respect for Rule of Law: Even when challenging the state, advocacy must remain lawful, ethical, responsible and professional.
7. Strategic Prioritization: Advocacy should be selective, targeting areas with maximum social impact.
8. The list is not exhaustive.

CHALLENGES TO PUBLIC-INTEREST ADVOCACY IN NIGERIA

Despite its potential, public-interest advocacy in Nigeria faces challenges such as weak institutions, limited funding, government resistance, judicial delays, and the politicization of advocacy efforts. Worse still, some so-called public-interest advocates abuse the process by filing frivolous lawsuits that waste judicial time and erode credibility.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The NBA should broaden its advocacy beyond litigation, establishing specialized committees to address systemic issues such as judicial delays, police reform, and lawyers’ welfare. Public-interest writers, speakers, law faculties and civil society should collaborate in producing empirical research to guide evidence-based advocacy. Funding and technical support for grassroots organizations should be prioritized to ensure inclusiveness. Advocacy training should be incorporated into continuing legal education programmes for Nigerian lawyers.

CONCLUSION

Public-interest advocacy is indispensable to democratic consolidation, social justice, and institutional reform in Nigeria. However, it must not be reduced to courtroom drama, posturing or frivolous litigation. A genuine, evidence-based, inclusive, and multi-dimensional advocacy framework remains the surest path to advancing the public good and strengthening the Nigerian legal profession’s relevance to society.

To be continued!

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems),
Proctor, The Reality Ministry of Truth Law and Justice (TRM)
08021365545.
udems@therealityministry.ngo.
www.therealityministry.ngo.
(02 October 2025)

REFERENCES

People’s Union for Democratic Rights v Union of India (1982) AIR 1473 (SC).

Fawehinmi v Akilu (1987) 4 NWLR (Pt 67) 797.
SERAP v Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/08/09, 14 Dec 2012, ECOWAS Court of Justice).
Freedom of Information Act 2011 (Nigeria).
Child Rights Act 2003 (Nigeria).
Nigeria Police Act 2020, s 66(3).
CLEEN Foundation, Police Reform in Nigeria (various reports)
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