The Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference is in full swing, bringing together the brightest minds, boldest voices, and most innovative players shaping the future of legal practice in Nigeria. From thought-provoking plenaries to dynamic exhibitions, this year’s gathering is more than just a meeting of lawyers; it’s a convergence of ideas, technology, and opportunities designed to help today’s legal professionals stand out and stand tall in an evolving landscape.
Here again, we’ve curated the significant update for you to have a quick recap of the sessions from Day 6 of the AGC.
PLENARY SESSION: A Glimpse into the Future of the Nigerian Bar Association
Day 6 of the NBA Conference proceedings opened with a captivating plenary session themed “Nigerian Bar Association: A Peep into the Future.” The session, coordinated by Barbara Omosun, Esq. and moderated by Mr. Udo Jude Ilo of the Open Society Foundation, featured an illustrious panel of thought leaders: Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN; Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN; Prof. Foluke Dada; Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo Okusanya; John Aikpokpo Martins; and Mrs. Mandy Asagba. Together, they offered deep insights and critical perspectives on the evolving role of the Bar, the challenges ahead, and the transformative opportunities within the Nigerian legal profession.
Mr. Ilo opened the session with a personal journey into the Nigerian legal system, while reflecting on bar transformation over time.
Prof. Foluke Dada Lawanson, on her own, highlighted a growing concern within the legal system, noting that a number of lawyers are still in doubt about what the NBA stands to represent. She stressed the importance of engaging in meaningful and periodic dialogue to uphold the rule of law. Meanwhile, Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) focused on the justice delivery system, arguing that the NBA must prioritise justice and act as a check on governmental power, urging the association to recognise and wield its influence responsibly.
The conversation veered towards the role of the NBA in supporting young lawyers. Oyinkansola Badejo-Ogunsanya advocated for mentorship, training, and career development, suggesting that the NBA should open pathways into underrepresented legal fields such as maritime and mining law.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) critiqued the NBA’s commercialisation, calling for a member-centric approach. He lamented the discontinuation of free LawPavilion subscriptions and emphasised the need for financial empowerment, continuous learning, and technological adaptation. He proposed the development of an NBA-powered app to enhance legal practice.
For Badejo-Ogunsanya, the NBA’s core responsibility should be prioritised. He noted that the welfare of its members must be taken into cognisance, and called for a blend of pragmatic and transformational leadership. He also described young lawyers as the drivers of innovation and urged the NBA to be a means to this end.
Moreover, Prof. Lawanson stressed the need to recruit Secretariat staff who understand the Bar’s values and mission. She advocated for merit-based appointments and leadership that prioritizes professional growth and NBA posterity.
In conclusion, Akinboro (SAN) added that the NBA must adopt a developmental plans with consistent transition strategies, ensuring partnership with institutions like LawPavilion, while criticizing the frequent leadership discontinuity which accounted for broken initiatives and projects, and he pushed for transparency within the National Executive Council (NEC).DividerTextYet to subscribe to LawPavilion AI: The All-in-one AI solution for document review, legal drafting and legal research?
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UNICEF Breakout Session: Ending Child Detention in Nigeria
The Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference continues to spark critical conversations shaping the future of legal practice in Nigeria. One of the standout sessions, coordinated by Mona Aika and moderated by Prof. Uchenna Emelonye, brought together an exceptional panel of Dr. Uju Agomoh (Lead Speaker), Mr. Kayode David, James Ibor, Esq., and Nkiru Maduechesi to examine the NBA’s role in advancing justice and reintegration for detained children. Their insights not only highlighted urgent challenges within the justice system but also underscored the transformative power of legal advocacy in protecting vulnerable groups.
Uju Agomo highlighted the dire state of correctional centers, revealing that over 133,000 children are currently incarcerated, many awaiting trial. She urged lawyers to speak truth to power and leverage the law for meaningful change.
Maduechesi referenced the Child Rights Act as the guiding framework for child justice, advocating for specialised training and alignment with international standards. Kayode David called for collaboration between social welfare systems and child protection services.
The panel agreed on the need for specialised child justice lawyers, inter-agency cooperation, and improved correctional facilities for young offenders.
Breakout Session III: Access to Justice, Security and Accountability: Issues, Challenges and Advancing Solutions
In this breakout session coordinated by Okey Ohagba and moderated by Chido Wakama, Prof. Uju Agomoh (Lead Speaker), alongside other panelists such as Peter Omenka, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, Mni, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, and Yusuf Danmadami, engaged in a robust discourse on the conference theme. The session also featured contributions from a representative of the MacArthur Foundation, enriching the dialogue with global perspectives. Together, the panel unpacked critical issues with depth, clarity, and actionable insights, setting the tone for the transformational conversations that define this year’s gathering.
Dr. Ojo opened by emphasising the importance of increasing access to justice. He noticed that the Legal Aid Council had signed an MoU with the NBA to match legal services with lawyers. However, access remains limited to urban areas, while most lawyers are still lacking incentives for their commitments. He called for a comprehensive mapping of detention centers nationwide.
As Dr. Agomo advocated for an independent investigative panel to address abuse of power and urged the NBA to commit to promoting access to justice, a spokesperson from the Legal Aid Council acknowledged challenges such as financial constraints, manpower shortages, and income disparities. He also appealed for increased funding for the justice sector.
Deji Adeyanju highlighted the overwhelming workload of appellate and Supreme Court justices, stressing the need for more judges and greater accountability. He warned against politicising the legal profession and defended the role of social media in promoting transparency.
CP Nnayi Etan concluded by calling for a redesign of law enforcement architecture and improved police accessibility. Finally, he cautioned against relying solely on social media for accountability. Image
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