The Supreme Court of Nigeria today held a Special Session to officially open the 2025/2026 Legal Year, an occasion that also witnessed the conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, underscored both the progress and persistent challenges within the justice system. He highlighted the urgent necessity for the digital transformation of courts, transparent judicial appointments, and above all, the sanctity of speedy and fair trials, stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
In his remarks, Osigwe congratulated the newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria, reminding them that the rank represents not just recognition but a higher call to duty, integrity, and leadership. He further called on members of the Bench and Bar to recommit themselves to restoring public confidence in the judiciary, ensuring that justice is not a distant promise but a lived reality for all Nigerians. The NBA President concluded with a patriotic appeal for collective dedication to the advancement of the legal profession and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Read full statement below;
Today, I had the honour of addressing the Special Session of the Supreme Court to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year and the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
In my remarks, I reflected on the progress and challenges of our justice system, the urgent need for digital transformation of our courts, the sanctity of speedy and fair trials, and the importance of transparent judicial appointments. I also emphasized that justice delayed is justice denied, and called for renewed efforts to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
To our colleagues newly conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations. Your elevation is not a mere ornament, but a call to higher duty, integrity, and leadership in the legal profession.
As we begin this new legal year, may we, Bench and Bar alike, rededicate ourselves to ensuring that justice is not a distant ideal but a daily reality for all Nigerians.
God bless the Supreme Court of Nigeria!
God bless the Judiciary!
God bless the Nigerian Bar Association!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
