The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Enugu on Thursday, with President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, presenting the Annual Report of his administration’s activities over the past year. In his address, Osigwe highlighted key reforms that have reshaped the Association, ranging from digital innovation and improved member services to bold interventions in the defence of democracy and judicial independence.
Reviewing one year of leadership, the NBA President noted historic milestones such as the introduction of the Digital Annual Practice License, the digitization of the Letter of Good Standing, and the repositioning of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education with a mandatory Continuing Professional Development regime. He also pointed to strengthened governance through the NBA NEC Portal and fearless advocacy on national issues, reaffirming the Association’s role as a proactive defender of justice and democracy.
Read full statement below;
Today, I presided over the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association here in Enugu and presenting the Annual Report of my administration’s activities over the past year.
In just twelve months, together we have embraced innovation, strengthened professionalism, and reasserted the NBA’s voice as a true defender of justice and democracy. History was made with the launch of the Digital Annual Practice License and the long-overdue digitization of the Letter of Good Standing, ushering in a new era of seamless validation and transparency for every Nigerian lawyer. We also addressed the delays in the production and distribution of the NBA stamp and seal, which is now processed and delivered promptly upon request. This intervention underscored our commitment to listening, responding, and providing real-time solutions to the needs of our members.
We also repositioned the Institute of Continuing Legal Education through the introduction of a mandatory Continuing Professional Development regime, ensuring that every lawyer earns annual CPD credits aligned with global best standards. Governance has equally been transformed through the NBA NEC Portal, which digitizes registration, records, and communication across our Association, making the NBA more transparent, responsive, and data-driven than ever before.
Our advocacy has remained fearless: from resisting unconstitutional removals of elected officials in Rivers and Benue States, to defending the independence of the judiciary, condemning the abuse of citizens by security agencies, and relocating our Annual General Conference to Enugu in order to preserve the values of democracy. We also created the Joseph Ottey Pro Bono Scheme, established the National Litigation Committee, and deepened partnerships locally and globally to ensure the Bar stands tall as the conscience of the nation.
Today’s AGM was not only an opportunity to review our progress but also to chart a bold course forward. After robust debate with colleagues, we adopted significant amendments to the NBA Constitution, thereby strengthening our governance framework for the future.
As we stand on this foundation, I reaffirm my commitment: this is the Proactive Bar in action, modern, united, principled, and ready to serve both our members and the wider society.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN President, Nigerian Bar Association
