A coalition of Nigerian lawyers under the banner of Advocacy for Bar Licence Freedom (ABLIF) has strongly criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its enforcement of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Rules 2025, describing the directive as elitist, exclusionary, and devoid of legal backing.

In a joint statement signed by Amb. Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Esq. (National Convener), Chukwuemeka Clement, Esq. (National Co-Convener), and Christabel Zoe Ayuk, Esq. (National Secretary), ABLIF warned that the monetization and enforcement of the MCPD as a precondition for issuance of the Annual Practicing Certificate will lead to widespread disenfranchisement of thousands of Nigerian lawyers.

The NBA had, on July 9, 2025, reaffirmed the enforcement of MCPD requirements pursuant to Rules 11 and 12 of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct. Under the policy, lawyers must earn a minimum of five CPD credit hours annually to qualify for a practicing license.

ABLIF, however, argues that the policy has been transformed into a commercial enterprise, relying heavily on paid training from third-party providers, making access contingent on purchasing power rather than merit or professional commitment.

“While we support lifelong legal education, we reject the coercive commercialization and compulsory enforcement of MCPD as a condition for practice. This is not reform—it is imposition,” the statement read.

The group further accused the NBA of regulatory overreach, stating that there is no provision in the RPC that authorizes the Bar to bar lawyers from practice for failing to fulfill CPD obligations. They also faulted the lack of proper stakeholder consultation and the policy’s disproportionate impact on lawyers in rural and under-resourced regions.

“This action is administrative disenfranchisement without constitutional backing, now being smuggled in retroactively through amendment. It defies natural justice and imperils over 30,000 lawyers nationwide,” the group stated.

ABLIF also raised concerns over a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to confer disciplinary powers on the NBA National Executive Council (NEC), warning that it could be abused to silence dissenting voices within the Bar.

The coalition made five key demands:

  1. Immediate suspension of the MCPD Rules 2025 as a condition for legal practice.
  2. End to undemocratic rule-making and disciplinary threats against dissenting members.
  3. Withdrawal of the proposed NBA constitutional amendment that grants NEC disciplinary powers not supported by law.
  4. Initiation of a nationwide consultative process involving branches, NEC, and stakeholders to reform CPD policy.
  5. Development of an inclusive, accessible CPD framework that reflects fairness and the profession’s realities.

ABLIF warned that if the NBA leadership fails to respond appropriately, it will explore constitutional dispute mechanisms, peaceful protest, sustained advocacy, and public interest litigation.

“As lawyers, we are trained to uphold justice—not just in the courtroom, but in our institutions. We do not seek to destroy the NBA; we seek to bring it back to itself,” the group affirmed.

The coalition said it has already mobilized over 1,000 signatories, consulted with civil society, and petitioned key public institutions including the National Assembly, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Attorney-General of the Federation, and other relevant authorities.

ABLIF concluded by invoking the legacy of legal luminaries such as Gani Fawehinmi and Olumide Akpata, pledging to defend the soul of the profession through lawful means.

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