The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday convened its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Maiduguri, the first time the state is hosting the session since 2007.
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NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, opened the meeting by praising the resilience of Borno people in withstanding years of insurgency and sustaining the peace that made the gathering possible.
He said the large turnout of delegates showed renewed confidence in the state’s recovery.
Osigwe called for greater support to the justice sector and urged the state government to implement its budgetary commitments to the lower bench.
He also acknowledged the determination of the association’s leadership in approving Maiduguri as host despite earlier reservations.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Josiah Osigwe, appreciated the government of Borno State for hosting the NBA NEC meeting after 19 years, saying Borno is the first State in Nigeria to go live on the Nigeria Case Management system and the e-filing portal of the NJC.
The Borno State Acting Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, declared the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Maiduguri on February 5, 2026.
While declaring the meeting open, he said: “I welcome you all to Maiduguri for the Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Council Meeting. Your presence here today is evidence of your enduring commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the continued strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
“The legal profession remains the backbone of any civilized society. Lawyers serve not only as interpreters of the law but as guardians of liberty, defenders of rights, and champions of fairness. The NBA, over the years, has played a pivotal role in shaping national discourse, promoting constitutionalism, and upholding the sanctity of the judicial system. Your contributions to national development, peacebuilding, and good governance are both commendable and indispensable,” he stated.
The deputy governor emphasized that as a government, they recognize that sustainable peace, economic growth, and social stability can only thrive where justice is accessible, institutions are credible, and the rule of law prevails.
“Our administration remains steadfast in supporting judicial reforms, strengthening legal institutions, and fostering an environment where justice is swift, impartial, and affordable to all citizens,” he said.
He specially commended the organizers for their foresight, unity of purpose, and tireless efforts in bringing together distinguished stakeholders under one roof to deliver such a remarkable and impactful programme.
“I also extend my profound appreciation to the Management of the University of Maiduguri for providing a conducive and enabling environment for the successful hosting of this national programme,” he added.
Kadafur declared that hosting this gathering in Maiduguri also symbolizes collective resolve to sustain peace, restore confidence, and showcase the progress made in rebuilding the State.
“We are proud to demonstrate that Borno State continues to rise stronger, safer, and more resilient,” he said.
Welcoming the delegates, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Abubakar, said the NBA’s decision to meet in Maiduguri reflected confidence in the state’s progress.
“Your decision to convene this meeting in Borno State is deeply appreciated. It is both reassuring and symbolic, as it reflects the confidence of the Nigerian Bar Association in the resilience of our state and in our shared commitment to justice, constitutional governance, and the rule of law,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to due process, respect for court orders and protection of vulnerable groups.
Abubakar noted that reforms in criminal justice administration and the adoption of technology in court processes require stronger collaboration among government, the judiciary and the legal profession.
The commissioner of justice emphasized that in Borno State, this commitment is reflected in justice sector reforms, deliberate efforts to expand access to justice, respect for court orders, and the enactment of progressive legislation, including the Borno State Audit Law of 2021 and its subsequent amendment, as well as the Borno State Child Protection Law of 2022.
She described Borno as a state known for hospitality, cultural pride and respect for the rule of law—values she said align with the ideals of the NBA.
“Borno State, proudly known as the Home of Peace, reflects the strength and dignity of a people who value learning, respect authority, and regard justice not only as a legal obligation but also as a moral duty,” she said.
Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zanna, said the return of the NEC meeting after nearly two decades helped dispel lingering perceptions that Maiduguri remained unsafe.
“There is no sign of war in Borno,” he told the delegates, while thanking the NBA leadership for approving the state as host.
Zanna drew parallels between the revival of the NBA and Borno’s own recovery, noting that both institutions experienced decline but regained stability.
He said the state enjoys a functional working relationship among the three arms of government, marked by respect for independence and cooperation in addressing public needs.
He pointed to the presence of an acting governor exercising full constitutional authority as an example of orderly governance.
Justice Zannah said: “The vibrancy of the Nigeria Bar Association and also delighted to report that you are hosted by a government and people that believes in and practise the rule of law and good governance. Consistently, Borno has an ideal relationship between the three arms of government, respecting each other’s independence, yet cooperating to deliver the peace and progress you must now have witnessed, for the benefit of our people.”
Justice Zannah emphasized that leveraging technology is no longer a luxury or a choice but a sine qua non for effective justice delivery.
“There is a lot more we intend to roll out at the judicial information technology committee (JITPO-COM) of the NJC that is being delayed by the slow pace of adoption across the Nation. Delegates should please pile pressure to their respective state judiciary so that they may join in the 21st century of justice system,” he said.
Chairman of the NBA Maiduguri Branch, Zanna Hamza, described the return of the NEC as a significant moment for the legal community after years of disruption caused by insurgency.
He recalled that the last NEC session in Maiduguri was held before Boko Haram attacks weakened justice institutions and affected practitioners.
He paid tribute to those who lost their lives and said hosting the meeting demonstrated the branch’s determination to rebuild.
The Chairman lauded the governor of Borno State for the support and commitment to the rule of law, citing that Senator Borno Central Senatorial District, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, had actively worked to have the meeting hosted in Borno.
The meeting, which drew more than 230 delegates from across the country, opened with assurances of safety and hospitality.
Organisers encouraged guests to enjoy their stay, with transport and other amenities provided.
Deliberations continue today with focus on issues affecting the legal profession and justice administration across the country.
Those in attendance include Members of the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association, Distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria and members of the NBA Fora across Nigeria.
The Chairman LOC Barrister Abdulwasiu Alfa welcomed all delegates and appreciated the commitment of the government of Borno State.
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