The Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) has reminded legal practitioners of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations for the current reporting year.

In a notice to lawyers, the NBA-ICLE stated that to remain in good standing and fully compliant with the NBA Mandatory CPD Rules, every legal practitioner is required to complete and record a minimum of five (5) CPD Hours/Units on or before March 31, 2026.

“For clarity, the annual CPD reporting year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Accordingly, the 2025 CPD reporting period commenced on 1 April 2025 and will close on 31 March 2026. CPD activities completed outside this window will not count toward the current reporting year,” the notice read.

The NBA-ICLE outlined the key information for compliance as follows:

  • Mandatory Requirement: Minimum of 5 CPD Units/Hours
  • Compliance Deadline: Tuesday, 31 March 2026
  • Action Required: Log in to the NBA-ICLE Portal to register for approved CPD programmes and close any outstanding unit gaps.

The institute advised lawyers to comply early, stating: “Early compliance is strongly encouraged. Kindly avoid last-minute registrations and ensure your records are properly updated.”

“Stay informed, stay compliant, and let us continue to uphold and advance the standards of our noble profession,” the notice concluded.

However, the Advocacy for Bar Licence Freedom (ABLIF) has issued a counter-notice informing the legal community that the mandatory CPD requirements are currently under judicial review.

In a public notice signed by its National Convener, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Esq., ABLIF stated that a court has ordered status quo to be maintained on the matter.

According to the group, the suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/2241/2025, titled “Christabel Zoe Ayuk & 11 Ors. v. Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association & 4 Ors.,” is scheduled for hearing on January 20, 2026.

“CPD enforcement on hold pending court decision. The legal community is advised to await the court’s ruling on the matter,” the ABLIF notice stated.

The development has created uncertainty among lawyers regarding compliance with the CPD requirements ahead of the March 31 deadline.

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