The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held its statutory Quarterly meeting on Thursday, 15th May 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State. The meeting was presided over by the President of the Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and attended by past Presidents and General Secretaries of the NBA, National Officers, Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA branches, NEC co-opted members, representatives of sections, fora and committees, and other stakeholders.
The meeting commenced promptly at 9:00 AM with an opening prayer led by the Publicity Secretary, Bridget Edokwe, and was formally opened by the President, who welcomed NEC members to Ilorin, the “City of Harmony.”
Following deliberations on critical reports, presentations, interventions and ceremonial proceedings, the Council adopted the following resolutions and issued this communiqué:
1. RELOCATION OF THE 2025 NBA ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE FROM RIVERS TO ENUGU STATE
NEC endorsed the decision of the National Executive Committee to relocate the Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu State, due to the prevailing political instability and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. NEC commended the President for his proactive consultations with stakeholders and the timely engagement of the Enugu State Government, which pledged the use of the Enugu International Conference Centre and Okpara Square for the event. NEC reiterated that the NBA does not sell conference hosting rights, and clarified that the ₦300 million donation referenced by the Rivers State Administrator was a gift from the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, not a commercial transaction.
2. FUNDING MODEL AND FINANCIAL AUTONOMY OF THE NBA
NEC underscored the need for the Association to achieve greater financial independence, citing recent instances where reliance on external support created logistical challenges, including the last-minute withdrawal of a venue in Ilorin. The leadership of the NBA was encouraged to review the pricing model for conferences and explore sustainable funding alternatives that ensure inclusiveness, financial stability, and operational autonomy. NEC urged branches to boost dues collection and explore innovative ways of supporting member participation in national programs.
3. NBA ADVOCACY AND NATIONAL INTERVENTIONS
NEC acknowledged the ongoing national advocacy initiatives spearheaded by the National Executive Committee, particularly on environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, strengthening local government autonomy, combating corruption across all levels of government and collaboration with UNICEF on a strategic partnership aimed at the protection of vulnerable groups, especially children.
4. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (CLE)
NEC reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of Rules 11 and 12 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), which mandate a minimum of 5 CLE credit hours annually for every legal practitioner. NEC further directed the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) to accredit trainers and ensure that CLE programs are affordable, accessible, and evenly distributed across the country.
5. STATE OF THE NATION: SECURITY, INJUSTICE, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION
NEC condemned the ongoing communal attacks and violent conflicts in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Katsina States, urging the Federal Government to intensify national security interventions and police reform efforts. NEC further expressed concern over the harassment and arrest of legal practitioners, including a recent incident in Jos, and mandated branch chairmen to escalate such cases for coordinated legal and institutional response at the national level.
6. JAMB UTME CONTROVERSIES
NEC expressed concern over the inconsistencies and reported anomalies in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results. NEC called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to conduct an independent audit of the results, issue a transparent statement to the public, and implement safeguards to protect the integrity of future examinations.
7. DOMESTIC AVIATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
NEC decried the increasing incidence of flight delays, cancellations, and poor service delivery by domestic airlines in Nigeria, including wildlife hazards at airports. NEC urged the NBA leadership to appoint a Regulatory Engagement Officer or Committee to interface with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and advocate for airline accountability, proper compensation, and consumer protection.
8. TAX HARASSMENT AND HIGHWAY EXTORTION
NEC praised the NBA Warri Branch for instituting legal action against illegal revenue collectors and unauthorized roadblocks. NEC encouraged other branches to adopt similar measures and charged the national leadership to escalate the matter to the Federal Government, including liaising with relevant security and regulatory agencies.
9. DISCIPLINE WITHIN THE PROFESSION AND THE JUDICIARY
NEC took note of recent judicial disciplinary actions published by the National Judicial Council (NJC), but expressed concerns over the adequacy of the sanctions imposed. It resolved to continue engaging the NJC to ensure that sanctions serve as deterrents to judicial misconduct. NEC recognizes that the NBA President is the leader of the bar and speaks on behalf of the bar.
10. BRANCH FUNDING AND RESPONSIBILITY
NEC clarified that the 10% remittance to branches is not for general administrative use, but to support participation in national activities, including NEC meetings and conferences. NEC encouraged branches to improve internal financial planning and manage resources efficiently.
11. SOLIDARITY WITH RIVERS STATE BRANCHES
NEC passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch and expressed solidarity with other Rivers State branches. NEC condemned the query issued to Mrs. Cordelia Eke, the Port Harcourt branch chairperson, for acting in compliance with the National Executive Committee directive regarding the conference. NEC adopted the press statements issued by Rivers State branches concerning the political situation in the state as consistent with the official position of the NBA.
12. TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT AND COURT INFRASTRUCTURE
NEC called on the judiciary at all levels to embrace technology in case management, e-filing systems, and courtroom automation. It urged investments in judicial infrastructure and capacity building for court personnel to enhance the efficiency and delivery of justice.
13. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND BAR-BENCH RELATIONS
NEC commended the NBA Women Forum for its efforts toward achieving gender parity and female participation in the legal profession. It encouraged the increase in female leadership and called for continuous collaboration between the Bar and the Bench through court visitations and dialogue sessions.
14. RESOLUTION OF INTERNAL CRISIS (SPIDEL)
NEC approved the proposal to dissolve the existing Caretaker Committee of the NBA Section on Public Interest Litigation (NBA-SPIDEL). It ratified the appointment of a 7-member Electoral Committee chaired by Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, with a mandate to conduct elections within a specified timeframe. All pending suits relating to the dispute are to be withdrawn as part of the peace settlement.
15. BRANCH INITIATIVES AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENTS
NEC commended the Ilorin Branch for the implementation of the Land Instrument Policy consistent with the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, and encouraged other branches to adopt similar frameworks. NEC recognized the renovation of the Ilorin NBA office and honoured departed members of the branch.
16. OTHER INTERVENTIONS
NEC acknowledged calls by the Calabar and Ibadan branches for national-level interventions on revenue extortion and forest security. NEC applauded JAMB’s admission of error but called for a comprehensive education reform, including adjustments to early-morning UTME schedules for safety.
17. CLOSING REMARKS
In his final address, the NBA President reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to independence, institutional integrity, and social responsibility. He urged members to uphold professionalism and to remain vigilant as defenders of justice and constitutional governance.
Signed,
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President
Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara
General Secretary
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