RismadarVoice Reporters, May 8, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law, protecting human rights and modernising legal practice in Nigeria following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Awka, Anambra State.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), disclosed this in an executive report presented at the 2026 NEC meeting, where the association deliberated on issues affecting the legal profession and the country.
Osigwe said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the association’s efforts in promoting judicial independence, safeguarding the integrity of the legal profession and strengthening democratic institutions.
According to him, the NEC condemned judicial intimidation of lawyers, misuse of contempt powers, police brutality, extrajudicial killings, torture and the abuse of criminal processes in civil disputes.
The NBA also raised concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and reiterated its commitment to constitutional governance, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.
On internal reforms, Osigwe said the association was advancing digital transformation within the legal profession through initiatives such as the NBA Smart Identity Card and the NBA Digital Signature Studio.
He explained that the reforms are aimed at building a more secure, technology-driven and globally competitive legal profession.
The NEC also discussed issues relating to legal education, professional discipline, law firm sustainability and the welfare of lawyers and judicial officers.
The NBA further considered national matters, including concerns surrounding court-martial proceedings against alleged coup plotters, alleged executive overreach by public office holders and rights violations by security agencies.
Osigwe stressed that the administration of justice can only thrive where both the Bench and the Bar operate with “mutual respect, courage, discipline and fidelity to the rule of law.”
He added that the NBA would continue to position itself as “the conscience of society and a fearless defender of constitutional democracy.”
