The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) officially commenced its 67th Annual General Conference (AGC) 2025 on Sunday, August 24, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall.” The opening ceremony drew over 15,000 delegates, both in person and online, marking a significant return to the state after 22 years.
The event, anchored by Mr. Bright Otobo and Mrs. Ebi
ere Emmanuela Ikpese, was a high-profile gathering of legal luminaries, public officials, and international dignitaries. His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, presided over the occasion and delivered a powerful opening address. The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, also set a positive tone with an insightful speech highlighting his administration’s commitment to judicial reform.
A Strong Foundation for Justice and Reform
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto underscored the critical role of law as the foundation of societal order, warning that without a legal framework, society would descend into chaos. He identified three key issues for the conference to address:
- Law Reform: Modernising outdated Nigerian laws to reflect contemporary realities.
- Social Justice: Bridging the growing gap between the affluent and the underprivileged.
- Access to Justice: Ensuring that justice is not denied to the economically disadvantaged.
He concluded by commending the NBA’s dedication to the rule of law and urged attendees to recommit themselves to service and integrity.
The Chairman of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP), Dr Emeka Obegolu, SAN, explained that the theme “Stand Out, Stand Tall” is a dual call to action. To “stand out” is to pursue excellence, professionalism, and ethical conduct in legal practice, while to “stand tall” is to resist injustice and corruption.
He drew a parallel between the theme and the 1949 Enugu coal miners’ struggle, emphasizing that societal progress often requires courage against injustice.
Unity and Innovation
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, echoed this sentiment, describing Enugu as a “city of courage” and calling on lawyers to embrace service, perseverance, and professional excellence. He urged the legal community to strengthen Nigerian institutions, reject overdependence on external systems, and champion fairness and equity.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Julius Sello Malema, a Member of the South African Parliament, captivated the audience with a powerful address on the connection between law and activism. He urged African lawyers to be catalysts for change rather than mere enforcers of outdated systems. His core points focused on:
- Visa-Free Movement Across Africa: Removing barriers to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
- Economic Independence: Prioritizing local content and protecting local industries.
- Independent African Legal Institutions: Developing frameworks that address the continent’s unique challenges.
Enugu’s Commitment to Judicial Reform
In his welcoming address, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to justice sector reforms. He outlined four pivotal pillars of the ongoing reforms in Enugu State:
- Judicial Autonomy: Granting full financial independence to the judiciary to foster public confidence and ensure impartiality.
- Technology in Courts: Implementing real-time court transcription and e-filing systems to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
- Multi-Door Courthouse: Enhancing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to provide a speedy and economical alternative to litigation.
- Law Codification: Modernizing and repealing obsolete statutes to improve justice delivery and foster economic development.
The governor formally declared the 67th Annual General Conference open and encouraged delegates to experience the cultural warmth of Enugu.
Conference Resolutions
The opening ceremony concluded with the NBA adopting several guiding resolutions and action points, including a pledge to:
- Uphold the Rule of Law: Reaffirming its commitment to democracy and resisting actions that undermine constitutionalism.
- Improve Access to Justice: Promoting affordable litigation and expanding legal aid for vulnerable communities.
- Enhance Professional Integrity: Strengthening ethical standards and disciplinary mechanisms within the legal profession.
- Advance African Solidarity: Supporting the development of a self-reliant, African-led legal framework.
- Partner with Government: Commending and encouraging other states to adopt similar justice reforms as seen in Enugu.
The inspiring event, which ended at 6:14 PM, set a hopeful tone for a week of fruitful discussions and professional introspection.
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