The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has announced the establishment of eight new branches following approval by the National Executive Council (NEC) at its meeting held on 20th November 2025 in Benin City, Edo State.
This expansion represents one of the most significant structural developments in recent years, reflecting the administration’s commitment to decentralization, accessibility, and enhanced member engagement across judicial divisions.
In line with the NBA Constitution, NEC considered applications for branch creation only after confirming that each request:
– Was supported by at least fifty (50) financial members;
– Properly submitted to the General Secretary;
– Fell within an existing judicial division, as required by the Association’s governing framework.
Following due consideration, NEC approved the establishment of the following branches:
1. Bende Branch – Carved out of Ohafia Branch, covering Bende, Igbere, and Uzuakoli Judicial Divisions (Abia State).
2. Kwale Branch – Created from Oleh Branch, covering Kwale and Obiaruku Judicial Divisions (Delta State).
3. Iseyin Branch – Carved out of Ibadan Branch, serving Iseyin and Okeho Judicial Divisions (Oyo State).
4. Oyigbo Branch – Created from Port Harcourt Branch, covering Oyigbo Judicial Division (Rivers State).
5. Oru/Oguta Branch – Formed from Owerri and Orlu Branches, covering Oru, Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema, and Omuma Judicial Divisions (Imo State).
6. Potiskum Branch – Carved out of Damaturu Branch, serving Potiskum Judicial Division (Yobe State).
7. Nike Branch – Created from Enugu Branch, administering Nike Judicial Division (Enugu State).
8. Udi Branch – Also created from Enugu Branch, covering Udi Judicial Division (Enugu State).
Of the eight new branches, five are located in the Eastern Zone, two in the Western Zone, and one in the Northern Zone.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, commended NEC members for their commitment to strengthening grassroots participation, noting that the new branches will bring the Association closer to practitioners nationwide and enhance representation, engagement, and service delivery.
Electoral Committee Appointments
With nine months remaining in his tenure, President Osigwe has also taken a major step toward the Association’s 2026 national elections by appointing members of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA). The appointments were formally approved by NEC during its quarterly meeting in Benin City.
The move aligns with Section 10 of the NBA Constitution, which establishes the ECNBA as an independent body responsible for conducting elections into National Offices of the Association and for NBA representatives to the General Council of the Bar.
The newly approved ECNBA is composed as follows:
– Aham Ejelam, SAN – Chairman
– Ibrahim Aliyu Nasarawa – Secretary
– Muahamad M. Nuhu – Member
– Uju Okafor – Member
– Ume Maduka – Member
President Osigwe described the selection as a demonstration of the Association’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and professionalism in its electoral processes. By securing NEC’s approval well ahead of schedule, the administration has signaled its intention to ensure a smooth, credible, and constitutionally compliant transition.
The ECNBA is expected to begin preliminary preparations for the 2026 elections, including drafting election guidelines, reviewing accreditation frameworks, and setting timelines for nominations and campaign activities.
