The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Executive Council (NEC) concluded its quarterly meeting on May 15, 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State, adopting far-reaching resolutions to address judicial misconduct, financial autonomy, and pressing national challenges. Presided over by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the meeting, held at the “City of Harmony,” issued a communiqué outlining 17 key decisions, including the relocation of the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
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NEC endorsed the shift of the AGC to Enugu due to political instability and a state of emergency in Rivers State, commending the President’s consultations and Enugu State’s pledge to provide the Enugu International Conference Centre and Okpara Square. Clarifying misconceptions, NEC stated that the ₦300 million donation from Rivers State’s former governor was a gift, not a transaction, emphasizing that the NBA does not sell conference hosting rights.
To achieve financial independence, NEC urged a review of conference pricing models and sustainable funding alternatives, encouraging branches to enhance dues collection and support member participation. The council also reaffirmed its advocacy on environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, local government autonomy, anti-corruption efforts, and a UNICEF partnership to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children.
On regulatory compliance, NEC mandated the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) to enforce Rules 11 and 12 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, requiring 5 CLE credit hours annually for lawyers, with affordable and accessible programs nationwide. Addressing national security, NEC condemned communal violence in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Katsina, calling for intensified federal interventions and police reforms, while decrying the harassment of lawyers, such as a recent incident in Jos.
NEC expressed concern over anomalies in the 2025 JAMB UTME results, urging an independent audit and safeguards for future exams. It also criticized domestic airlines for delays and poor service, proposing a Regulatory Engagement Officer to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for consumer protection. Additionally, NEC praised the Warri Branch’s legal action against illegal revenue collectors and urged other branches to follow suit.
On judicial discipline, NEC noted the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recent sanctions but questioned their adequacy, resolving to engage the NJC for stronger deterrents. NEC clarified that branch remittances are for national activities, not general administration, and passed a vote of confidence in the Port Harcourt Branch, condemning a query against its chairperson, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, for adhering to national directives.
NEC advocated for technological advancements in judicial case management and infrastructure investments, while commending the NBA Women Forum’s push for gender parity. It approved dissolving the NBA-SPIDEL Caretaker Committee, appointing a 7-member Electoral Committee led by Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, to conduct elections and resolve disputes.
COMMUNIQUE-ISSUED-AT-Ilorin-NEC-MEETINGThe Ilorin Branch was lauded for implementing the Land Instrument Policy and renovating its office. NEC also acknowledged calls from Calabar and Ibadan branches for interventions on revenue extortion and forest security, urging comprehensive education reforms. In closing, President Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to independence and justice, urging members to uphold professionalism.
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