Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, has reiterated the need for a more inclusive Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that prioritizes the welfare of every lawyer, including those serving in public institutions. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Ministry of Justice in Ibadan, Akangbe engaged with public service lawyers and listened to the challenges confronting them in the discharge of their duties.
He described it as disheartening that many lawyers in the public sector feel excluded despite being an integral part of the legal community, stressing that the NBA must become truly member-centric. According to him, lawyers in courtrooms, corporate offices, and public service all deserve equal attention, and the Association must ensure that no lawyer is left behind.
Read full statement below;
I had the privilege of visiting my hometown, Ibadan and was honored to pay a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Ministry of Justice. During my time there, I engaged in meaningful conversations with public service lawyers and listened closely to the numerous challenges that they face in the course of carrying out their duties.
It was disheartening to hear how deeply excluded many of them feel despite being a significant part of our legal community. Unfortunately, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which ought to represent the collective interests of all legal practitioners, often falls short when it comes to addressing the specific needs of lawyers in public service.
I have always maintained that the NBA must be a truly member-centric association, one that places the welfare of its members at the core of its agenda. Our dues and contributions should translate directly into value for all members, regardless of where they practice.
If we are to advance the legal profession meaningfully, we must ensure that no lawyer is left behind, not the ones in the courtrooms, not the ones in corporate offices, and certainly not the ones serving diligently in our ministries and public institutions.
It is time for a more inclusive NBA, one that listens, supports, and advocates for every member.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN
#Elevatethebar #LOAIsCOMING #WalktheTalK
