Communique Issued at the End of NBA NEC Meeting Held on 7th November 2024 at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) convened on the 7th of November, 2024, at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu. The meeting was presided over by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN. After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted:
1. Ratification of Committee Appointments
The NEC ratified the appointments to the following NBA Committees and compositions to all NBA Fora:
1. Constitution Review Committee
2. Justice Sector Reform Committee
* Local Government Monitoring Committee
1. NBA National Litigation Committee
2. Citizens Liberties Committee
3. Protection of Legal Business Committee
* Annual General Conference Planning Committee
* LPDC Rules Watch Committee
1. Legal Education Committee
2. Approval of Co-Opted NEC Members
The NEC approved the list of co-opted NEC members for the 2024 to 2026 tenure.
3. Nomination to the Body of Benchers
The NEC approved the nomination of Mr. Y. C. Maikyau, SAN (Past President), and Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN (Past General Secretary), to fill the two existing vacancies in the Body of Benchers. Additionally, the NEC authorized the National Executive Committee to nominate members of the Association to fill any vacancy that the Bar may be entitled to nominate its members to fill in the Body of Benchers before the next meeting of the National Executive Council.
4. Membership of the General Council of the Bar
The NEC approved that all the existing vacancies in the General Council of the Bar be filled by the National Executive Committee.
5. Review of the Cost of NBA Stamp
The NEC approved a price adjustment for NBA stamps in response to rising production costs. Prices are approved to be increased from N4,000 per pack to N6,000, effective 1st November 2024, and to N7,000 from 1st January 2025.
6. Leasing of NBA House
The NEC approved the proposal to lease the vacant floors in the NBA House to improve maintenance and generate revenue, thereby ensuring effective management and preservation of the property.
7. Establishment of Regional Disciplinary Panels
The NEC approved the creation of Regional Disciplinary Panels and the appointment of prosecutors for the prosecution of disciplinary matters, ensuring discipline and decorum within the profession.
8. Preparation for the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference (AGC)
The NEC approved the proposed fee structure for the 2025 AGC, scheduled to take place from 23rd to 30th August 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Both in-person and virtual attendance options will be available. The approved fees are as follows:
1. 1–9 Years Post-Call: Early (1st Dec–28th Feb) N40,000; Regular (1st Mar–31st May) N50,000; Late (1st Jun–31st Jul) N200,000; Onsite N250,000
2. 10–19 Years Post-Call: Early N75,000; Regular N100,000; Late N250,000; Onsite N350,000
* 20 Years and Above: Early N100,000; Regular N150,000; Late N300,000; Onsite N400,000
1. SANs / AGs / Benchers: Early N250,000; Regular N350,000; Late N500,000; Onsite N750,000
2. Magistrates: N75,000 flat fee
3. Judges: N100,000 flat fee
* Non-Lawyers: N150,000 flat fee
* International Delegates: Physical Attendance $500; Virtual $350
1. Senior Lawyers (70 years and above and 40 years post-call): N50,000 flat fee
2. Virtual Attendance: Free for 1–7 Years Post-Call; N25,000 for 8 years and above
9. Judicial Oversight of Detention Facilities
The NEC urged the judiciary to intensify oversight of detention facilities, particularly through regular visits to prisons and police stations, to prevent detainee mistreatment and uphold human rights.
10. Lawyer Representation at Police Stations
The NEC resolved to work towards deploying NBA lawyers at police stations to provide immediate legal assistance, thereby enhancing public access to justice.
11. Court Closures in Enugu and Owerri
The NEC expressed grave concern over the closure of Court of Appeal divisions in Enugu and Owerri over security concerns. The NEC resolved to engage relevant stakeholders to reopen these courts and ensure access to justice in the Southeast.
12. Opposition to the Entry of Foreign Lawyers
The NEC reaffirmed NBA’s opposition to the entry of foreign lawyers into Nigeria legal space, maintaining that the Nigerian Bar is fully capable of meeting the country’s legal needs.
13. Security for Peaceful Protests
The NEC called on the government to ensure adequate security for peaceful protesters to safeguard citizens’ rights to free expression without interference from disruptive elements.
14. Security During Rivers State Local Government Election
The NEC strongly condemned the Nigerian Police Force’s recent statement Rivers State Local Government Election indicating it would not provide security during the election, highlighting the potential threat to electoral integrity and public safety.
15. Welfare and Insurance
The NEC reiterated its commitment to ongoing dialogue with Leadway Assurance to improve welfare and insurance benefits for members.
16. Participation in the 16-Day Human Rights Week
The NEC encourages all NBA branches to participate actively in the upcoming 16-Day Human Rights Week, focusing on raising awareness and promoting action against human rights violations.
17. Condemnation of Government Actions Against Minors
The NEC condemned recent prosecutions of minors by the government, describing these actions as damaging to Nigeria’s image. The NEC reiterated NBA’s commitment to protecting minors from unjust treatment through advocacy.
18. Partnership with Government Agencies
The NEC emphasized the importance of collaboration with the judiciary, police, and correctional services to improve justice system efficiency, particularly in the implementation of relevant policies and ensuring transparent bail proceedings at police stations.
19. Conclusion
The NEC expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government for its hospitality and urged NBA members to work collaboratively to strengthen the legal profession and protect human rights across Nigeria. The NBA remains dedicated to upholding justice, enhancing member welfare, and advocating for policies that benefit both the legal profession and society at large.
Issued this 7th day of November, 2024.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President
DR. MOBOLAJI OJIBARA
General Secretary
