The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) has ushered in a new leadership team, with Baba Alokolaro assuming office as Chairman following the Section’s 2026 Annual General Meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Alokolaro’s emergence marks the conclusion of the two-year tenure of Mrs. Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, who served as Chairperson of the NBA-SBL from 2024 to 2026. The transition also ushered in the Section’s new Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term.
Speaking after assuming office, Alokolaro pledged that his administration would build on the foundation laid by previous leaderships rather than discard existing initiatives. He said the focus would be on strengthening institutional projects, templates and values already established by the Section, with continuity serving as a major principle of the new administration.
The Annual General Meeting also provided an opportunity for members to review the achievements recorded under the outgoing administration and deliberate on the future direction of the Section. The transition comes as the NBA-SBL continues to expand its role in business law, professional development and policy engagement.
Under Ogiemudia’s leadership, the Section recorded significant growth in membership, increasing from 5,673 to 7,800 members. The number of subject-matter committees also expanded to 26, reflecting a broader structure for professional engagement and specialised legal practice.
The outgoing administration also recorded increased policy engagement, stronger international partnerships and expanded professional development programmes. It further facilitated the organisation of major conferences and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity and visibility of business lawyers during the 2024–2026 period.
With the inauguration of the 2026–2028 Executive Committee, attention now shifts to Alokolaro and his team to consolidate these gains and advance the Section’s institutional agenda. His emphasis on continuity signals an intention to preserve successful programmes while building on them to meet the changing demands of business law and the wider legal profession.