The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN yesterday, July 11th 2025 delivered a powerful keynote address at the 7th Annual Law Conference of the Justice Aderemi Foundation, igniting critical discourse on justice delivery, governance, and national security reform.
The event, which attracted legal luminaries, academics, and civil society leaders, was themed around strengthening justice, enhancing governance, and securing Nigeria’s future. The conference key highlight was a robust panel session chaired by renowned constitutional law expert, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, alongside a thought-provoking presentation by civic advocate Opeyemi Adamolekun of Enough-Is-Enough Nigeria (EiE).
Delivering the keynote speech, Osigwe made a strong case for the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly the urgent need to decentralise policing. He emphasised that the Federal Government has the legislative competence to move certain items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, allowing states more autonomy in critical sectors like security and resource management.
“The demands by many states to establish state police should not just end with approval by the National Economic Council; they must be given legal effect,” Osigwe asserted.
He further advocated for a community-driven policing model, stating, “We must have a policing system that relies on indigenous persons to police their own communities.”
In proposing a State Security Council model, Osigwe cautioned against potential abuse of power by state governors, stressing that such councils must be backed by law and structured to ensure checks and balances. He also proposed that states should be empowered to licence persons who engage in natural resource prospecting, which is currently restricted by federal control.
On judicial appointments, Osigwe condemned the prevailing opaque selection process, urging for a merit-based approach driven by courtroom performance and ethical standards.
“I would prefer a system where judges are recommended based on their visible courtroom performance and conduct. The current process of appointing judges negatively affects society — which remains the victim of poorly delivered justice,” he stated.
Osigwe further disclosed that in his first 11 months as NBA President, he had signed over 200 nominations for Judicial appointment.
