The Chairman of the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference (AGC) Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has clarified that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) did not sell hosting rights for the 2025 AGC.
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Responding to recent claims by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retired), that the Rivers State Government paid for the hosting rights, Obegolu emphasized that no such agreement existed.
He explained that the decision to hold the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was made in August 2024 through the NBA’s internal processes, without any bidding or financial requirement. “The host city has no hosting right, and the NBA never represented the conference as tied to any chosen city,” Obegolu stated.
Obegolu further clarified that because of the enormous costs involved in hosting the AGC, the NBA Planning Committee traditionally seeks financial support from organizations, government agencies, and state governments. However, he stressed that such support is unconditional and not linked to hosting rights or any other entitlements.
“Recent NBA conferences have been supported by various state governments, corporate organizations, ministries, and agencies through their corporate social responsibility budgets,” he said. “Such financial support comes in the form of gifts, partnerships, or sponsorships. The money from Rivers State was a gift and not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC.”
The Chairman reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to delivering a world-class conference for members of the Bar, adding that they would not be drawn into unnecessary controversies.
“Our focus remains on providing an exceptional conference experience and upholding the vision of a productive and transparent event,” Obegolu concluded.
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