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.
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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.
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