Abstract
This study highlights some factors that have influenced the development of academic law libraries in Nigeria. Inadequacy of local production of legal texts, exorbitant cost of the available texts, and scarcity of foreign exchange, were identified as major constraints. On the other hand, factors which have promoted the development of academic law libraries in Nigeria include the existence and use of published standards for law libraries, accreditation requirement for law faculties, book gifts and loans. Moreover, Nigeria's typical history of political instability and proliferation of states has paradoxically not been a hindrance but a catalyst for the emergence of numerous social and educational institutions including universities and academic law libraries.