Candidate for the office of General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Leo Ohagba, Esq., has unveiled a comprehensive six-point programme aimed at transforming the NBA Secretariat through technology-driven governance, institutional reforms, and enhanced member services.
Presenting what he described as his blueprint for an “Innovative Secretariat,” Ohagba said his agenda is designed to modernise the Association’s administrative structure, improve service delivery, and strengthen engagement with members across all NBA branches.
A key component of the proposed reforms is the adoption of an Innovative E-Governance Model, inspired by international best practices. The proposal includes a comprehensive overhaul of the NBA portal, the establishment of a dedicated call centre for members, digitisation of institutional records, optimisation of the NBA mobile application, improved access to digital stamps, and enhanced electronic management of NEC and Annual General Meeting documentation.
The NBA General Secretary hopeful also proposed the professionalisation of the Secretariat through administrative restructuring, the introduction of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), regular staff training, and clearly defined performance responsibilities to improve efficiency and accountability.
To strengthen institutional data management, Ohagba pledged to establish a comprehensive branch and membership database featuring a secure electronic directory, alongside annual membership validation to improve data integrity and minimise verification challenges during NBA elections.
Another major proposal is the re-launch of the NBA Smart Identity Card Scheme with enhanced security features and expanded functionality. Under the plan, lawyers in good standing would receive smart identity cards at no cost, with additional benefits including partnerships for payment services, discounts on selected services, and measures aimed at combating impersonation and quackery within the profession.
Ohagba further proposed the creation of a dedicated Membership Directorate to oversee branch engagement, manage membership records, coordinate annual data validation, and administer the proposed smart identity card scheme.
On welfare and professional development, the candidate pledged to support the implementation of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, organise specialised continuing legal education programmes for young lawyers, and provide free access to premium electronic legal research resources through the NBA’s digital platforms.
According to Ohagba, the proposed reforms are intended to build a more efficient, technology-driven, and member-focused Secretariat capable of meeting the evolving needs of the legal profession while positioning the Nigerian Bar Association for the future.
Read full statement below;
OKEY-IS-OK ✅
“MY SIX-POINT CARDINAL PROGRAMME FOR #INNOVATIVESECRETARIAT AT A GLANCE”
– BY OKEY LEO OHAGBA – CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY
1. INNOVATIVE E-GOVERNANCE: “THE IBA MODEL”
– Portal Overhaul: Mirror International Bar Association (IBA) standards to ensure maximum uptime and seamless global access for all members.
– *NBA Call Centre: Deploy a state-of-the-art call centre for real-time resolution of members’ inquiries and complaints.
– Digital Archiving for Institutional Memory: Build a secure, advanced digital infrastructure to facilitate a transition to a paperless archival system.
– App Optimization: Fine-tune the NBA Mobile App to provide free and seamless access to all NBA products and services.
– Portal Feedback Feature: Introduce a dedicated portal feature that enables verified members to evaluate and rate published policies, reports, and services.
– Enhanced, Seamless Meetings: Sustain the pre-distribution of NEC and AGM electronic bundles, together with error-free meeting minutes.
– Digital Stamp Optimization: Provide instant access to the NBA Digital Stamp through members’ dashboards and the mobile app, while maintaining a strict 72-hour timeline for delivery of manual stamps pending its eventual phase-out.
2. PROFESSIONALIZED SECRETARIAT STAFF
– Administrative Restructuring: Align staff workflows with the new e-governance framework.
– KPIs and Incentives: Introduce measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), supported by structured training programmes to improve efficiency, productivity, and professionalism.
– Accountability & Focus: Establish clear job descriptions, responsibilities, and performance deliverables for every staff member.
3. COMPREHENSIVE BRANCH AND MEMBERSHIP DATABASE
– Branch E-Directory: Develop and maintain a secure, centralized database of branches and members to facilitate identification and combat quackery.
– Annual Validation for Data Integrity: Conduct regular data validation and cleansing to ensure database integrity and eliminate recurring voter verification challenges during national elections.
4. RE-LAUNCH OF THE NBA SMART IDENTITY CARD SCHEME AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
– Revival of the Scheme: Revive the NBA smart identity card scheme originally introduced during the 2014–2016 Augustine Alege, SAN administration.
– Enhanced Security Features: Incorporate advanced security measures to prevent identity theft and fraud.
– Dual Functionality: Partner with financial institutions to enable the card to function as an ATM and payment card.
– Premium Welfare Packages with Card: Embed exclusive lifestyle benefits, including discounts from partner hotels, airlines, healthcare providers, and other service providers.
– Zero-Cost Issuance: Ensure that every lawyer in good standing receives the smart identity card at no cost.
– Rebranded and Customized NBA Stickers: Introduce secure, trackable, and customized membership stickers to combat quackery and restore institutional dignity.
5. NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORATE
– Establishment of the Directorate: Create a dedicated Membership Directorate to strengthen branch engagement and manage institutional membership data.
– Operational Mandate: Assign the Directorate responsibility for managing the E-Directory Scheme, annual membership validation, and the issuance of smart identity cards.
6. CAPACITY BUILDING AND YOUNG LAWYERS’ WELFARE
– Remuneration Order Enforcement: Facilitate and support measures for effective implementation and enforcement of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 to improve the economic well-being of lawyers, particularly young lawyers.
–Specialized Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Organize targeted CLE programmes to prepare young lawyers for emerging and global areas of legal practice.
– *Free E-Library:* Integrate premium legal research resources into the NBA Mobile App and web portal at no cost to all lawyers in good standing.
Kindly visit www.okeyisok.com for comprehensive Manifesto & Profile.
Please support my vision, let’s ignite the passion for innovation and excellence today.
Let’s win this together, with God 🙏🏼
THINK INNOVATION ✅
VOTE OKEY LEO OHAGBA FOR GENERAL SECRETARY, NBA ✅
#InnovativeSecretariat
#InnovativeBar
#TheIBAmodel
#Thefuturestartsnow
#OkeyisOk
#Let’sinnovate