*Cites Fraudulent Court Representations, Fake Legal Advice
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Dr. Kayode Omolayo, Managing Partner of Fairway Attorneys at Law, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to introduce official identification cards for all practicing lawyers in Nigeria. The proposal aims to enhance the credibility, security, and efficiency of the legal profession.
In a letter addressed to the NBA President, Dr. Omolayo emphasized that the initiative would elevate the professional identity of Nigerian lawyers, reduce instances of impersonation, and align the NBA with global best practices. He noted that other professions, such as medicine and engineering, already benefit from standardized ID systems that facilitate recognition and verification.
Dr. Omolayo outlined practical measures for implementation, including integrating ID card issuance into the annual renewal of practicing licenses and leveraging digital platforms similar to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The proposed ID cards would feature security features such as holograms and QR codes to verify a lawyer’s enrollment number, call-to-bar date, and current practicing status.
According to Dr. Omolayo, NBA-issued ID cards would also create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and tracking continuing legal education (CLE) credits, while safeguarding public trust and the integrity of the justice system. He suggested pilot programs in select branches to test the system before a nationwide rollout.
“The introduction of official ID cards is a proactive step toward modernization, positioning the NBA as a forward-thinking institution that protects its members and the public,” Dr. Omolayo said in his letter.
Below, read this full letter to the NBA President.
August 14, 2025
The President
Nigeria Bar Association (NBA)
Dear Mr. President,
Urgent Advocacy for the Issuance of Official Identification Cards to Practicing Lawyers in Nigeria
I am writing to you as a concerned member of the legal profession and a dedicated advocate for the advancement of legal practice in Nigeria. In the course of my practice, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving challenges facing our noble profession. It is in this spirit of progress and professionalism that I urge the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to prioritize the introduction and issuance of official identification cards (ID cards) for all practicing lawyers in the country. This initiative is not only timely but essential for enhancing the credibility, security, and efficiency of legal practice in Nigeria. Allow me to elaborate on the compelling reasons for this proposal, drawing from practical examples and the potential benefits it holds for our members and the broader justice system.
First and foremost, the issuance of ID cards would significantly elevate the professional identity of Nigerian lawyers. In an era where identification is a cornerstone of security and verification, it is inconceivable that members of one of the most respected professions in the country lack a standardized, portable means of proving their status. Imagine a scenario where a lawyer attends a high-profile gathering, such as a judicial conference, a stakeholder meeting with government officials, or even an international legal forum. Without an official NBA-issued ID card, the lawyer may face unnecessary delays, skepticism, or outright embarrassment when asked to identify themselves. This not only undermines the individual’s dignity but also tarnishes the collective image of the Nigerian Bar. By contrast, professionals in other fields—such as medical doctors with their Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) IDs or engineers with their Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) certifications—enjoy seamless recognition. It is high time the NBA bridges this gap to ensure that lawyers can confidently assert their identity in any setting, thereby fostering greater respect for the legal profession.
Moreover, implementing an ID card system would be a straightforward and feasible endeavor for the NBA, given its existing infrastructure for member services. The Association already demonstrates remarkable efficiency in distributing annual practicing licenses and NBA seals to its members across the nation. These items are mailed or made available for collection upon payment of dues, ensuring that every qualified lawyer receives them promptly. Extending this process to include ID cards would require minimal additional resources. For instance, the NBA could integrate ID card issuance into the annual renewal process, where members submit updated photographs and details alongside their practicing fees. This would streamline operations and leverage the NBA’s robust database of over 100,000 registered lawyers. Furthermore, to address concerns about accessibility and convenience, the NBA could emulate the innovative model of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). As you may be aware, NIMC allows citizens to print their National Identification Number (NIN) slips or improved ID cards online directly from their registered platforms once their details are captured in the national database. This user-friendly, digital approach minimizes bureaucratic hurdles and empowers individuals to access their IDs at their convenience. The NBA, with its tech-savvy secretariat and online portals for member registration and payments, is perfectly positioned to adopt a similar system. Lawyers could log into a secure NBA platform, verify their details, and either print a temporary ID or request a laminated card to be dispatched—ensuring nationwide coverage, even for those in remote areas.
Beyond convenience, the introduction of ID cards would serve as a powerful tool in combating the rampant issue of impersonation within the legal profession. In recent years, Nigeria has seen a disturbing rise in cases where unqualified individuals pose as lawyers, engaging in fraudulent activities such as unauthorized court representations, fake legal advice, or even scams targeting vulnerable clients. Without a verifiable ID, it becomes exceedingly difficult for clients, courts, or law enforcement to distinguish genuine practitioners from impostors. An NBA-issued ID card, equipped with security features such as holograms, QR codes linking to the NBA database, and expiration dates tied to annual renewals, would provide an instant and reliable verification mechanism. For example, a simple scan of the QR code could confirm a lawyer’s enrollment number, call-to-bar date, and current practicing status, thereby deterring fraudsters and protecting the public. This measure aligns with global best practices; bar associations in countries like the United States (e.g., the American Bar Association) and the United Kingdom (e.g., the Bar Council) issue similar IDs, which have proven effective in curbing misconduct and enhancing accountability. By adopting this, the NBA would not only safeguard its members’ reputations but also contribute to the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, reducing the burden on regulatory bodies like the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
In addition to these core benefits, ID cards could unlock further opportunities for professional development and networking. They could include details such as areas of specialization, branch affiliations, or even continuing legal education (CLE) credits, making it easier for lawyers to collaborate or refer cases. From a logistical standpoint, the costs could be offset by incorporating a nominal fee into annual dues, ensuring sustainability without straining the Association’s finances. Pilot programs in select branches could test the system’s efficacy before a full rollout, allowing for refinements based on feedback.
Mr. President, the Nigeria Bar Association has a storied history of leading reforms that strengthen the legal profession and uphold the rule of law. Introducing official ID cards represents a proactive step toward modernization, one that addresses current pain points while positioning the NBA as a forward-thinking institution. I implore you and the National Executive Committee to consider this proposal at your earliest convenience, perhaps tabling it for discussion at the next Annual General Conference. I am available for further dialogue or to provide additional insights on implementation strategies. Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian lawyer carries not just their knowledge and ethics, but a tangible symbol of their esteemed calling.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your positive response and the transformative impact it will have on our profession.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Kayode Omolayo
Managing Partner
Fairway Attorneys at Law
Fairwaylawfirm@gmail.com
0803*79*9*8
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries ______________________________________________________________________ Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) And Legal Luminaries Series 2 Unveiled 
Authored by Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, LL.M, Notary Public Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) and Legal Luminaries Series 2 📚 For Enquiries and Orders, Contact: 📞 08055476823, 📞 08164683735, 📞 08033855230 _____________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials 
