Lagos, Nigeria — April 10, 2026 Keynote, fireside chat, and plenary sessions reinforce the evolving role of Nigerian lawyers in a changing legal landscape
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice has successfully concluded its 2026 Annual Conference in Lagos, marking several days of high-level engagements, thought leadership, and professional collaboration within the legal community.
The conference, which commenced at the National Theatre, brought together leading legal practitioners, jurists, academics, and stakeholders to examine emerging trends shaping legal practice in Nigeria and beyond.
The Opening Ceremony set a strong foundation for the conference, beginning with a keynote address by Olufemi Elias, Judge Ad Hoc of the International Court of Justice. He highlighted the increasing intersection between domestic and international law, urging Nigerian lawyers to position themselves for greater participation on the global stage.
A major highlight of the opening session was the fireside chat featuring Yemi Osinbajo, who spoke on the theme: “Guardians of the Scales: Independent Courts, Trusted Justice and a Stronger Nation.”
He underscored the importance of judicial independence and the need to sustain public trust in the justice system as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
The session, moderated by Yinka Omorogbe, SAN, provided critical insights into the relationship between law, governance and institutional credibility.
The intellectual engagement continued with plenary discussions, including a session on
“The Unexplored Landscape of International Law: The Nigerian Lawyer and Prospects.”
Moderated by Charles Adeogun-Phillips, SAN, the panel featured distinguished speakers such as Akingbolahan Adeniran, Pedi Obani, and Arman Sarvarian, who examined opportunities for Nigerian practitioners within the international legal framework.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in robust discussions on innovation in legal practice, regulatory developments, and the future of the profession. Sessions also focused on capacity building for young lawyers, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and continuous professional development.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to uphold the highest standards of legal practice, strengthen institutional frameworks, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the rule of law.
The NBA-SLP noted that the outcomes of the conference will continue to shape discourse and practice within the legal community, while fostering stronger collaboration among practitioners across jurisdictions.
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