The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has called on lawyers across Africa to take a leading role in confronting insecurity, economic instability, corruption and weak institutions, warning that sustainable peace on the continent cannot be achieved without justice, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
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The Society made the call in a goodwill message to the African Bar Association (AfBA) on the occasion of its 2026 Annual Conference holding in Sal, Cape Verde, from September 20 to 24, 2026.
The message, signed on behalf of the NLS by its President, Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, Bencher, conveyed the Society’s “warmest fraternal greetings and profound solidarity” to the AfBA and commended the choice of Cape Verde as host country, describing it as an example of democratic governance, institutional stability and resilience in Africa.
The conference has as its theme, “Resilient Africa’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development: Addressing and Strengthening Issues of Military, Security and Economic Stability.”
According to the NLS, the theme speaks directly to some of the most urgent challenges confronting the continent, including terrorism, armed banditry, mass kidnapping, unconstitutional changes of government, displacement, weakening institutions and the economic consequences of insecurity.
The Society observed that the quest to “silence the guns” across Africa remains unfulfilled, with millions of people living as refugees or internally displaced persons, while insecurity continues to discourage investment and deprive young people of jobs and economic opportunities.
It stressed, however, that insecurity should not be viewed purely as a military challenge, arguing that it is equally a constitutional and institutional problem.
“Insecurity is not merely a military problem. It is a constitutional one. It thrives where institutions are weak, where the rule of law is disregarded, and where accountability is sacrificed at the altar of convenience,” the NLS said.
It added: “Peace is the fruit of justice, and justice is the business of lawyers.”
The Society further linked security to economic stability, maintaining that no country can build a resilient economy in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
It identified illicit financial flows, money laundering and the looting of public resources as major factors depriving African countries of funds that should otherwise be committed to security, infrastructure and development.
“Capital is highly risk-averse; it retreats in the face of instability and settles only where the rule of law is dependable,” the NLS stated.
The Society consequently urged African countries to strengthen legal frameworks for asset recovery, whistleblower protection and the prosecution of economic crimes, while also investing in transparent procurement systems, enforceable contracts and credible judicial institutions.
According to the NLS, Africa’s sustainable development strategy must be built around institutions capable of surviving political, security and economic shocks while continuing to serve citizens effectively.
“Resilience, after all, is not merely the ability to withstand shocks. It is the capacity to build systems — legal, institutional, and economic systems — that can absorb pressure and continue to serve the people,” it said.
“That is the roadmap Africa needs. And it is a roadmap that the legal profession must help to draw.”
The NLS also highlighted its relationship with the African Bar Association, describing it as one of “deep kinship and shared purpose.”
It recalled that the relationship was reaffirmed during the Nigerian Law Society’s 4th Annual General Conference in July 2026, where the President of the African Bar Association, High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, Life Bencher, served as Chairman of the conference.
According to the goodwill message, Mark’s participation strengthened relations between both organisations, while his message of solidarity encouraged members of the Nigerian Law Society.
The NLS recalled that the AfBA President affirmed at the gathering that the Nigerian Law Society operates under the protective umbrella of the African Bar Association, an assurance which the Society said it continues to cherish.
The Society also paid tribute to its Founder, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN, Life Bencher, describing him as a consistent advocate of a united, pluralistic and vibrant African legal profession committed to advancing the common good.
It said the Nigerian Law Society remained firmly committed to that vision and to continued collaboration with legal associations across Africa.
As the AfBA conference deliberates on military, security and economic stability, the NLS urged participants to approach the discussions with courage and a commitment to practical outcomes capable of influencing policy across the continent.
The Society said it looked forward to the conference’s final communiqué and policies, expressing hope that they would become useful tools for bar associations and policymakers across Africa.
“We wish you wisdom in your discussions, courage in your convictions, and success in your resolutions,” the NLS said.
It added that it stood ready to support the implementation of policies emerging from the conference across relevant jurisdictions.
“May this conference produce a roadmap that will genuinely serve the peace, security, and prosperity of our continent and its peoples. The Nigerian Law Society stands with you in full solidarity, today and always,” the statement concluded.
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