The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), has issued a critical notice urging all Nigerian lawyers to comply with the 2025 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Rules, emphasizing that non-compliance will result in the denial of practice licenses and NBA stamps starting in the 2026 legal year. The directive, outlined in a notice dated June 11, 2025, underscores the NBA’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and competent legal profession aligned with global standards.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Signed by NBA-ICLE Board Chair Prof. Festus Emiri, SAN, and Board Secretary Prof. C.V. Odoeme, the notice highlights the MCPD Rules’ role in enhancing professional competence, improving service delivery, upholding ethical standards, and promoting lifelong learning. Lawyers are required to accrue a minimum of five CPD credit hours annually through accredited activities, including attending the NBA Annual General Conference, participating in NBA Branch CPD programs, or completing NBA-ICLE online training sessions. Publishing approved articles in NBA journals also qualifies, subject to board approval.
The NBA stressed that compliance is mandatory, linking it directly to the issuance of digitalized annual practice licenses. Starting next legal year, only lawyers meeting the five CPD credit requirement and paying practicing fees on time will receive licenses and have their names published on the annual practicing list. Without a valid license, lawyers cannot access NBA stamps, essential for legal documents, as stipulated by Rules 12(3)(a)-(b) of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct and Rule 23 of the 2025 NBA MCPD Rules. Non-compliance will bar lawyers from court proceedings, signing legal documents, or filing as practitioners.
The notice warns that failure to meet these requirements will severely hamper lawyers’ ability to practice, urging immediate action to familiarize with the MCPD Rules, participate in accredited programs, and settle fees promptly.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-CRITICAL-NOTICE-FROM-THE-NBA-ICLE-TO-ALL-NIGERIAN-LAWYERS.pdf” title=”A CRITICAL NOTICE FROM THE NBA-ICLE TO ALL NIGERIAN LAWYERS”]
The NBA-ICLE offers diverse courses, seminars, and webinars to facilitate compliance, accessible via www.nbaicle.org. For inquiries, lawyers can contact icle@nigerianbar.org.ng or sarah.ajijola@nigerianbar.org.ng.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
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
