Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK), former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s legal profession following the Nigerian Bar Association’s confirmation that more than 10,000 lawyers were admitted into the profession this year.

Speaking on the implications of the surge in new lawyers, Akangbe highlighted the challenges facing young legal practitioners in finding footing within the profession, as well as the broader role and relevance of the NBA.

“For years, we complained about the relevance of the NBA to our careers and professional lives,” he said. “We were told the NBA is broke and unable to deliver significant value to its membership. Yet, a few years ago, one NBA administration demonstrated what was possible: clearing longstanding debts, renovating the ICLE building, distributing free stamps to lawyers, funding Law Pavilion subscriptions, providing practice-relevant trainings and free health insurance to thousands of lawyers, and increasing death benefits for members in good standing.”

Akanbe argued that these achievements show there is no excuse for an NBA administration that is “irresponsible, unresponsive, unaccountable, and detached from the needs of its members.” He urged the current leadership under Olumide Akpata to emulate and exceed past successes, stressing the importance of creating an environment that safeguards the dignity of the legal profession and the welfare of its membership.

“The NBA must wake up, take responsibility, and ensure that new and existing lawyers have the support, training, and resources they need to thrive,” Akangbe said.

The SAN’s statement comes amid growing debate over the capacity of the NBA to address the needs of a rapidly expanding legal workforce in Nigeria.

_______________________________________________________________________ New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount. Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels: Phone: 0704 329 3271 Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore Website: www.akabogulaw.com _______________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626