The Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has called on Nigerian lawyers to move beyond courtroom advocacy and actively confront injustice, abuse of power, human rights violations and institutional failures threatening the country’s democracy and development.
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The SPIDEL Chair made the call in a welcome address at the 2026 NBA-SPIDEL Annual International Conference held in Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme, “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development.”
Addressing members of the judiciary, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, legal practitioners, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and other participants, the Chair stressed that the legal profession must remain committed to protecting human dignity, safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting accountability in public institutions.
The Chair maintained that the law must serve the interests of ordinary Nigerians rather than exist merely as a collection of rules and procedures.
“Our theme, ‘In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development,’ is both timely and fundamental to the aspirations of our nation. It reminds us that the law must be more than a collection of rules and procedures; it must remain a living instrument for protecting human dignity, promoting accountability, safeguarding fundamental rights and advancing the collective welfare of society,” the address stated.
The Chair described public interest law as an essential component of constitutional democracy, explaining that it provides opportunities for lawyers to challenge systemic injustice, confront abuses of power and ensure that vulnerable and marginalised people are not excluded from the protection of the law.
According to the address, public interest law also places a responsibility on legal practitioners to contribute to public policy, institutional reforms and the strengthening of democratic governance.
The Chair expressed concern over the challenges confronting Nigeria, including insecurity, poverty, inequality, human rights violations, limited access to justice, weak institutional accountability and declining public confidence in governance.
The legal profession, the Chair insisted, must examine whether existing laws and democratic institutions are delivering meaningful protection and justice to citizens.
“At a time when Nigeria continues to confront significant challenges relating to insecurity, poverty, inequality, human rights violations, access to justice, institutional accountability and public confidence in governance, the responsibility of the legal profession cannot be overstated.
“We must continue to ask ourselves not merely whether the law exists, but whether it works for the people; not merely whether institutions are established, but whether they deliver justice; and not merely whether democratic structures are in place, but whether they genuinely protect the rights and interests of citizens,” the Chair stated.
The address emphasised that lawyers have responsibilities extending beyond representing individual clients, arguing that members of the profession must use their knowledge, influence and professional platforms to address societal problems and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“As lawyers, we must recognise that our professional calling extends beyond the courtroom and the representation of individual clients. We have a responsibility to society.
“We must be willing to engage with difficult questions, challenge injustice wherever it occurs, promote reforms that strengthen institutions and use our knowledge and influence to improve the lives of ordinary people,” the Chair declared.
The Chair explained that the conference was designed to provide a platform for critical reflection, constructive engagement and the development of practical solutions to challenges affecting justice, democracy and development.
Through plenary sessions, technical discussions and specialised engagements, participants were expected to examine the role of the legal profession in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law, expanding access to justice, protecting human rights and advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
Particular emphasis was placed on the participation of young lawyers, law students, academics, policymakers and civil society actors, whom the Chair encouraged to engage actively in the conference discussions.
According to the Chair, the future of public interest law in Nigeria depends on raising a new generation of ethical, courageous and committed legal practitioners who appreciate the responsibility of using the law to serve humanity.
“I particularly encourage young lawyers, law students, academics, policymakers and civil society actors participating in this conference to engage actively with the conversations and opportunities presented.
“The future of public interest law in Nigeria depends on a new generation of committed, ethical and courageous legal practitioners who understand that the true value of the law lies in its capacity to serve humanity,” the address stated.
The Chair also urged conference participants to ensure that their deliberations produce practical outcomes rather than end with speeches and resolutions that have no measurable impact.
Emphasising the importance of implementation, the Chair called for proposals capable of influencing public policies, institutional reforms, strategic partnerships and interventions addressing identified problems.
“As we deliberate over the coming days, let us move beyond rhetoric towards actionable commitments. Let our discussions generate ideas that can be translated into policies, institutional reforms, strategic partnerships and measurable interventions.
“Let us leave Umuahia with renewed determination to make the law a more effective instrument for justice, democracy, accountability and development,” the Chair said.
The SPIDEL Chair also expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government and Governor Alex Chioma Otti for co-hosting and serving as the headline sponsor of the conference.
The Chair commended the state government’s support for discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing justice, democratic governance and sustainable development.
Special appreciation was extended to former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, for accepting to deliver the keynote address at the conference.
The Chair also acknowledged Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder of the Centre for Values and Leadership; Lisa Henry, Secretary-General of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims; and Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought and Dean of the Ave Maria University Law School, for agreeing to respond to the keynote address.
Justice L.T.C. Eruba of the Abia State Judiciary was equally appreciated for chairing the keynote session.
The SPIDEL Chair further commended the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and the national leadership of the Association for their guidance, institutional support and contributions towards the conference.
According to the Chair, some important aspects of the programme would not have been possible without the NBA President’s leadership, contacts and tangible assistance.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, was also recognised for his support.
Appreciation was extended to development partners, sponsors, resource persons, speakers, members of the Conference Planning Committee, members of the Local Organising Committee and other individuals and organisations whose contributions made the programme possible.
The Chair observed that such collaboration demonstrated the importance of collective action in advancing the ideals of public interest law.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the conference, the Chair maintained that the discussions would strengthen professional commitment to justice, democratic accountability and sustainable development, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
The address concluded with a call on participants to leave Umuahia with a renewed determination to make the law more responsive to the needs of society and to translate the conference’s discussions into concrete actions capable of improving the lives of citizens.
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