The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an urgent review of outdated laws.
It advocated reforms to reflect current realities.
The association, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), emphasised that Nigeria’s justice system cannot be shackled by laws that no longer meet the needs of its people.
The association urged restraint and accountability in the exercise of prosecutorial powers under Sections 174 and 211 of the 1999 Constitution, while condemning systemic barriers that deny access to justice for the poor and vulnerable.
NBA resolved to strengthen legal aid services, promote alternative dispute resolution, and expand pro bono representation, particularly for women and children.
It also expressed concern over the fragile economy, rising inflation, and poor sequencing of government reforms.
It urged the Federal Government to enforce a living minimum wage, curtail reckless political expenditure, and subject economic policies to rigorous impact assessments.
These were among the recommendations made by the NBA at the end of its 65th Annual General Conference held in Enugu State, with the theme: ‘Stand out, stand tall.’
A copy of the communique issued after the conference, which was held from August 22 to 28, was obtained yesterday.
Calls were also made for greater regional integration and the removal of trade barriers across Africa.
Technology and innovation featured prominently in the discussions.
While acknowledging the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for the legal profession, the NBA warned against the risks of inaccuracies and ethical misuse.
It pledged to draft ethical guidelines on AI, promote Nigeria-specific legal models, and enhance training and mentorship to build AI literacy among lawyers.
In tackling challenges within the profession, the NBA resolved to enforce its Remuneration Order to guarantee fair pay for young lawyers, reform legal education to emphasise practical skills and entrepreneurship, and institutionalise structured mentorship and succession planning in law firms.
It further advocated for affirmative action to boost women’s participation in leadership and governance, alongside stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act through the creation of Child Rights Desks nationwide and the establishment of child-friendly courts.
Arbitration reforms also took centre stage, with delegates recommending that arbitral proceedings be time-bound and appeals restricted to the Court of Appeal, while bonds be required for challenges to awards to deter frivolous litigation.
As the curtains closed on the conference, the NBA reaffirmed its position as the conscience of the nation and a beacon of integrity and innovation, insisting that the legal profession must not only regulate itself but also shape national discourse, protect the vulnerable, and inspire public confidence in the pursuit of justice.
The conference, held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, drew leaders of the Bar and Bench, political figures, captains of industry, civil society, and international partners.
Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, commended the NBA’s choice of Enugu as host city and pledged his administration’s commitment to justice and democratic reforms.
The sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the gathering, reminded delegates that law remained the foundation of peace and justice.
He urged the legal profession to drive reforms that expand access to justice for the poor and marginalised.
Setting the tone, South African legislator and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, delivered a keynote address.
He challenged African lawyers to ‘decolonise the law’ and dismantle oppressive structures that still reflect colonial legacies.
‘The African Bar must reject being mere enforcers of outdated colonial laws, and instead become innovators who drive transformation in justice, governance, and economic emancipation,’ he said.