Yusufu Nya Akirikwen, SAN: Taraba’s Legal Luminary Bridging Advocacy, Public Service and Leadership
JALINGO — For nearly four decades, Yusufu Nya Akirikwen, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has built a professional career spanning courtroom advocacy, legal administration, public service and political leadership. His journey from private legal practice to the prestigious Inner Bar places him among the prominent legal personalities associated with Taraba State.
Akirikwen was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987 after studying at the University of Maiduguri and completing his professional training at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. His emergence as a legal practitioner came during an important period in Nigeria’s history, when democratic aspirations, military rule and significant constitutional changes were shaping the country’s legal environment.
Rather than allowing those challenges to restrict his ambitions, Akirikwen developed a practice that covered litigation, corporate law, property transactions and alternative dispute resolution. Over the years, he became known within Taraba’s legal community for his courtroom experience and participation in professional affairs.
Building a Legal Practice
Akirikwen is the principal of Y.N. Akirikwen and Associates, also known as Shalom Chambers. Reports indicate that he established the firm in 2008, building on years of legal practice and professional engagement.
Through the firm, he has handled matters involving private individuals, businesses and public institutions. His experience in litigation and dispute resolution has placed him at the intersection of law, governance and commercial activity.
In 2011, he was appointed a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, further expanding his professional responsibilities. A notary public is authorised to authenticate important documents and perform other functions recognised by law, particularly in transactions requiring formal legal certification.
Akirikwen’s chambers also contributed to the development of other lawyers. One notable example is Festus Kayode Idepefo, SAN, who reportedly served his National Youth Service Corps programme at Y.N. Akirikwen and Associates in 1996 before becoming head of chambers between 1997 and 1999. Idepefo later established his own firm and was also elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. This connection illustrates the wider influence senior lawyers can have through mentorship and professional training. F.K. Idepefo, SAN & Co.
Leadership within the Legal Profession
Beyond private practice, Akirikwen has held several positions connected to the administration and development of the legal profession.
He served as chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Taraba State between 1995 and 1999. At the time, the state’s legal community was still developing alongside Taraba’s relatively young public institutions following the state’s creation in 1991.
His leadership role placed him in a position to engage with issues affecting lawyers, the courts and access to justice. He later served as a member of the Taraba State Judicial Service Commission, an institution responsible for important administrative and personnel matters concerning the state judiciary.
Available biographical records also associate him with the Governing Council of the University of Benin, the governing board of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research and a presidential visitation panel to the Federal University of Technology, Akure. These assignments extended his public contributions beyond courtroom practice.
Service as Attorney-General and Commissioner
Akirikwen’s legal experience eventually led him into the Taraba State Executive Council. He served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Taraba State from November 2015 until May 2019.
As the state’s chief law officer, the Attorney-General is responsible for providing legal guidance to the government, supervising state legal matters and protecting the public interest through lawful decision-making.
During his tenure, Akirikwen participated in government negotiations and agreements. One publicly reported example was the review of the agreement between the Taraba State Government and the Dangote Group concerning a major sugar development project. The review sought to clarify the parties’ responsibilities and revive a project that had faced delays. Daily Times
Following his period at the Ministry of Justice, Akirikwen was appointed Commissioner for Water Resources under the administration of former Governor Darius Ishaku.
His transition from justice to water resources demonstrated the broader nature of political appointments and public administration. Although the position was outside conventional legal practice, his experience in governance, regulation and negotiation remained relevant.
While serving as commissioner, Akirikwen was involved in efforts to improve water supply in Jalingo. In October 2020, the state government commenced the construction of a five-million-litre reservoir as part of the Jalingo Primary Water Supply Scheme. Akirikwen explained at the time that the project was intended to increase storage capacity and move the scheme towards completion. Nigerian Tribune
Elevation to the Rank of SAN
A defining moment in Akirikwen’s legal career came in 2020 when the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee listed him among 72 lawyers approved for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The rank is one of the highest professional distinctions available to Nigerian lawyers. It recognises legal practitioners who have demonstrated significant professional competence, integrity and contributions to the development of law.
Akirikwen emerged from a competitive process involving 137 shortlisted applicants, comprising advocates and legal academics. His elevation generated considerable attention in Taraba, where members of the legal and political communities described the recognition as an important achievement for the state. BusinessDay
The distinction was particularly significant because it represented the culmination of more than three decades of legal practice. It also placed him within a select body of practitioners expected to uphold high professional standards and contribute to the improvement of Nigeria’s justice system.
Akirikwen later attributed the achievement to perseverance and faith, explaining that the application process was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His account reflected the patience and documentation required of lawyers seeking admission into the Inner Bar.
From Law to National Political Leadership
Akirikwen’s public activities have also extended into partisan politics. In March 2026, a Peoples Democratic Party bloc aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike affirmed him as Deputy National Chairman for the North during a convention in Abuja.
The development occurred amid leadership disputes within the PDP, making it important to describe the political context accurately. Reports by several national news organisations identified the gathering as belonging to the Wike-aligned faction of the party. Punch
His emergence in the party structure illustrates the continued intersection between law and politics in Nigeria. Lawyers frequently play influential roles in political organisations because of their understanding of constitutions, internal regulations, negotiations and dispute resolution.
However, political leadership carries responsibilities different from courtroom advocacy. It exposes public figures to greater scrutiny and requires them to balance partisan interests with national democratic principles.
A Career of Enduring Relevance
Yusufu Nya Akirikwen’s professional journey reflects the different paths through which a lawyer can contribute to society. His record includes private legal practice, professional leadership, judicial administration, government service, infrastructure policy and political engagement.
His elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria remains a major milestone, but his broader legacy will also be assessed by how his experience has strengthened institutions, influenced younger lawyers and promoted respect for the rule of law.
For aspiring legal practitioners in Taraba and across Nigeria, his career demonstrates that professional advancement is usually built through years of practice, public responsibility and persistence.
As Akirikwen continues to participate in national affairs, expectations will remain high. The title of Senior Advocate is not merely ceremonial; it represents a continuing obligation to defend justice, maintain professional integrity and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
