The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has ended its 65th Annual General Conference (AGC) in Enugu with far-reaching resolutions aimed at transforming the legal profession, strengthening national institutions, and driving Africa’s socio-economic renewal.
The week-long conference, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall”, featured powerful interventions from the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, South African legislator Julius Malema, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. Speakers challenged lawyers to champion reforms, decolonize legal systems, and uphold justice for the vulnerable.
In its communiqué, the NBA observed deepening inequality, outdated laws, weak institutions, and growing public distrust in governance and justice systems. It also highlighted the risks and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence, persistent gender and child rights violations, and the declining fortunes of young lawyers due to poor remuneration and weak mentorship.
Resolutions adopted include:
- Urgent modernization of Nigeria’s legal framework and the Legal Practitioners Act.
- Affordable access to justice through legal aid and stronger ADR mechanisms.
- Development of Nigeria-specific AI legal models and ethical guidelines for digital tools.
- Enforcement of gender-sensitive laws and mentorship programs for women in leadership.
- Protection of children’s rights with diversion programs and child-friendly courts.
- Institutional reforms to strengthen governance, fiscal accountability, and economic resilience.
- Succession planning and mentorship to build sustainable law firms.
The NBA reaffirmed its role as the conscience of the nation and vowed to lead reforms that uphold equity, inclusivity, and accountability. It also pledged to deepen continental solidarity by dismantling intra-African barriers, promoting cross-border legal frameworks, and ensuring Africa speaks with one voice globally.
The communiqué closed with a call on government, civil society, and international partners to join forces with the NBA in building a just, prosperous, and peaceful society.
