The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been commended for its recent intervention in recruitment exercises conducted by federal government agencies and parastatals. The Association led by Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN, through its employment bureau, headed by Sir Steve Adehi, has been working to ease the cumbersome and rigorous process involved in recruitments into these organizations for lawyers who meet the basic requirements.

The latest recruitment exercise that the NBA has intervened in is the ongoing exercise by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The association is working to ensure that lawyers who apply for positions at the NDLEA have a smoother and more efficient recruitment process.

According to a recent statement by the NBA Employment Bureau published by TheNigeriaLawyer on the 14th of April, “The Nigerian Bar Association still in the interest and welfare of her members therefore calls on and urges all interested members of the Association who have applied from across the [127] branches to send the under-listed details/documents to the Employment Bureau in a bid to facilitate an (on-merit) shortlisting process –

[A] DETAILS

  1. Name [As indicated on the online application portal]
  2. SCN Enrollment No.
  3. Branch & Branch Code

[B] DOCUMENTS [ALL PDF SCANNED]

  1. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Application Slip
  2. Evidence of Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association [Branch Letter of Good Standing addressed to the Chairman, NBA Employment Bureau].
  3. Evidence of payment of 2023 Bar Practice Fees [BPF]

All details and documents should be sent via email with the subject “National Drug Law Enforcement Agency [NDLEA] 2023 Recruitment – N.B.A President’s Intervention” to the NBA Employment Bureau through the Vice Chairman, Salman A. Salman – salmanalhajisalman@yahoo.com, the Secretary Uchenna Nwadialo –u.nwadialo@gmail.com or Chinaecherem Nwaubani – chinaecherem@nigerianbar.org.ng

The deadline for submission is Friday, 21st April 2023.”

However, despite the commendable efforts of the NBA, some branches of the association are reportedly undermining this intervention. TheNigeriaLawyer has discovered that some NBA branches are failing to provide the necessary approvals for certain documents required by lawyers under their jurisdiction. These branches are reportedly using different excuses to avoid providing these approvals, which is hindering the recruitment process. According to credible info made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, the offices of some of these branches are most often than not under lock and key, thus, making it difficult for interested applicants for the recruitment to obtain Branch Letters of Good Standing addressed to the Chairman, NBA Employment Bureau as required in the NBA memo. Other disturbing reports suggested the political coloration of the entire process, with some branch leaderships only providing the necessary endorsements for perceived supporters to the abandonment of supposed political opponents, while others have completely monetized the entire process with requests for tips which are illegal and extortionary.

This development is deplorable, and it goes against the NBA’s efforts to ease the recruitment process for lawyers. The actions of these branches are not only hindering the recruitment process but also potentially preventing qualified lawyers from securing employment opportunities. It is essential that all NBA branches work together to ensure that the recruitment process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

In conclusion, the Nigerian Bar Association has been doing commendable work in intervening in recruitment exercises to ease the process for lawyers. However, the attempts by some NBA branches to undermine the sublime interventions is a cause for concern.

It is essential that all NBA branches work together to ensure that the recruitment process is streamlined, efficient and transparent for all lawyers seeking employment opportunities. This will not only benefit lawyers but also contribute to the overall development of the legal profession in Nigeria.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[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

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________