RismadarVoice Reporters
March 6, 2026
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has urged greater support and guidance for young lawyers entering the profession, emphasizing that the strength of the legal profession is measured not just by the number of lawyers called to the Bar, but by the clarity of purpose, discipline, and opportunities available to them.
Delivering remarks at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Body of Benchers and the Public Presentation of the Report of the Directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Osigwe noted that over 10,000 lawyers were called to the Bar in the past year alone.
While reflecting the profession’s growth, he warned that many young lawyers face uncertainty about career pathways, highlighting the need for robust mentorship and institutional support.
Speaking on the theme, “Body of Benchers: Beyond the Call to Bar ,” Osigwe described the Body of Benchers as a critical custodian of the profession, tasked with safeguarding ethics, standards, and discipline in an evolving legal landscape.
He stressed that the Body’s responsibilities extend far beyond ceremonial duties, ensuring the Bar remains a respected institution that serves both lawyers and the public.
The NBA President also commended the collaboration between the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on ongoing efforts to amend the Legal Practitioners Act.
According to him, such partnerships strengthen the regulatory framework of the legal profession and adapt it to contemporary realities.
He further highlighted the Directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee as a key tool for promoting accountability and ethical conduct, noting that public confidence in the legal system depends on lawyers’ adherence to professional standards.
Osigwe expressed hope that the lecture would inspire further dialogue and forward-looking ideas to reinforce the institutions that govern the legal profession and ensure that young lawyers are equipped to succeed beyond the ceremonial call to the Bar.
