“2000 lawyers registered for NBA 2025 Conference – Early Bird Registration Extended…”
To Whom It May Concern,
I stumbled upon the above headline on one of the legal news platforms, and my immediate reaction was a knowing chuckle. When the organizers of the NBA-AGC 2025 opened Early Bird registration in January, I couldn’t help but wonder—what exactly was the rationale? As a fair-minded person, I first attempted to wear my objectivity hat. Perhaps it was a strategic move to help lawyers plan and save for the August conference? But then again, how does setting an Early Bird window between January and February help people save? Instead of an opportunity to budget, it only created pressure for those hoping to take advantage of the so-called discount period.
Then I thought; could it be that the organizers wanted lawyers to lump AGC fees alongside their BPF, branch dues, section dues, and maybe even church offerings, all in one financially draining swoop? That didn’t make sense either. Why not allow us to recover from December expenses and the yearly “January blues” before adding yet another financial obligation? Or perhaps, just perhaps, someone in the organizing team thought they were being ingenious. But what kind of genius looks at a cash-strapped profession and says, “Let’s collect more money, earlier than ever, for a conference that people are already sceptical about?”
Initially, I decided to let this slide because, frankly, there are bigger issues at hand. But when I saw the news that NEC had extended the Early Bird registration, I knew I had to speak. Because, well, why not?
As we all know, the NBA-AGC is the biggest annual gathering of lawyers in Nigeria; a blend of intellectual, social, and networking opportunities. It is strategically placed during the court vacation, allowing many of us, especially those who cannot afford exotic vacations abroad, to at least enjoy a break. It was also a time for alumni reunions, social group meet-and-greets, and, let’s not forget, the pure thrill of battling for conference materials like gladiators in an arena.
I’ll be honest: back in the day, I looked forward to the AGC for what some might call the wrong reasons. While the intellectual discussions, plenaries, and breakout sessions were the official highlights, my true excitement came from the socials; the reunions, the networking, the fun. As silly or vain as that may sound, I wasn’t alone. Plenty of us were on this table, and we were quite comfortable there.
Then, the downward spiral began. First came the outrageous fee hikes. Then, the beloved conference materials were scrapped. Slowly but surely, the conference started morphing into something unrecognizable; an elitist affair designed for the privileged few. And herein lies the real problem: not just that the fees increased, but that the organizers failed to consider the economic realities of the legal profession.
A N40,000 conference fee may seem reasonable in theory. But in a profession where many young lawyers still earn N50,000 per month, how do you justify spending an entire month’s salary on just registration? Factor in transportation, accommodation, and feeding, and you’re looking at an expense that could take five months’ salary to cover. What is the value proposition that justifies such spending?
So, if the organisers of AGC 2025 truly believed that their brilliant idea of shifting Early Bird registration from June to January, right alongside the new year financial obligations would somehow boost participation, well, reality has delivered a different verdict. It didn’t.
The Early Bird period kicked off in January, set to end in February. Yet, at the NEC meeting, reports revealed that only 2,000 lawyers had registered. Now, in what can only be described as a move of sheer optimism, the Early Bird deadline has been extended. At this rate, don’t be surprised if we keep getting Early Bird updates until May or even June, because, guess what? The numbers will still not number.
Here’s the thing: The problem is not just about fees or registration deadlines. The real issue is trust. After years of paying more for less, many lawyers are simply sitting on the fence, waiting to see what this year’s organizers will bring to the table. They want to know if the AGC will return to being an inclusive, value-packed event or if it will remain an overpriced symposium for the privileged few.
Oh, and I did notice that the organizers have graciously decided to reintroduce conference materials. A good move, I must say. But you see, trust once broken is hard to rebuild. Lawyers who have been burned in the past are wary. They want to see the full package before committing. And guess what? By the time the full details are unveiled, the Early Bird window will have closed, leaving only the exorbitantly priced regular registration. And then? Those on the fence may simply decide to walk away rather than buy in.
So, my point; if the goal is truly to have inclusive participation, then instead of bombarding us with Early Bird registration ads in January, how about spending that time marketing the actual value of the conference? Use the first quarter of the year to show us what to expect; give us teasers, create excitement, and restore confidence. Give us a reason to want to register, not just a deadline to meet.
If not, well, don’t be surprised when the early birds keep refusing to fly.