Despite Outcry, NBA Proceeds With High 2024-AGC Fees As Registration Begins Tomorrow
Registration for the 2024 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is set to commence on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 11:55 pm, despite growing discontent among members over the high registration fees.
The NBA Publicity Secretary, Habeeb Lawal, announced the commencement of registration, sealing any hope for a downward review of the fees, which have been deemed prohibitive, especially for young lawyers.
The approved fees for the 2024 AGC have sparked outrage among many lawyers, with rates ranging from N50,000 for an early bird registration for young lawyers (1-9 years post-call) to a staggering N750,000 for on-site registration for Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Attorneys General, and Benchers. These fees represent a significant increase from the 2023 rates, which ranged from N15,000 to N600,000 for the same categories.
The Warri Branch of the NBA has joined the growing list of branches expressing their dissatisfaction with the high registration fees. During its monthly meeting on Sunday, May 19, 2024, the branch unanimously resolved to boycott the conference if the fees are not reduced to more affordable levels. This decision comes on the heels of a similar resolution by the Ikeja Branch, popularly known as the ‘Tiger Bar,’ which demanded that the AGC Planning Committee reverse the approved registration fees for the 2024 conference to the 2023 rates or face a full boycott from the branch.
The potential boycott by the Warri Branch, along with the Ikeja Branch, could have a significant impact on the conference’s attendance and overall success. The AGC is seen as a crucial platform for professional development, networking, and deliberations on critical issues affecting the legal profession and the nation.
The growing discontent among NBA branches highlights the need for the NBA National Executive Council and the AGC Planning Committee to address the concerns raised by members regarding the accessibility and affordability of the conference. Many lawyers argue that the high registration fees may exclude a significant portion of the legal community, particularly young lawyers and those from less affluent regions.
As the date of the AGC draws closer, the NBA leadership faces increasing pressure to find a resolution that balances the financial sustainability of the conference with the need to ensure broad participation from all segments of the legal profession. The Warri Branch’s resolution adds to the mounting calls for a review of the AGC registration fees, and it remains to be seen how the NBA National Executive Council and the AGC Planning Committee will respond to these demands in the coming weeks.
The NBA AGC, themed “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” is scheduled to take place from August 23 to 28, 2024. The conference is expected to attract lawyers from across the country and beyond, serving as a platform for discussions on critical issues affecting the legal profession and the nation as a whole. However, the high registration fees have raised concerns about the inclusivity and accessibility of the event, with many lawyers calling for a more affordable fee structure to ensure broader participation.
VIRTUAL FEES:
- YOUNG LAWYERS (1-7 YEARS): FREE
- 8 YEARS & ABOVE: N25,000
- SENIOR LAWYERS: N50,000
To Register, visit: www.nigerianbar.org.ng/conference
| S/N | CATEGORY | EARLY BIRD RATE | REGULAR RATE | LATE REGISTRATION | ON-SITE REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-9 YEARS | N50,000 | N75,000 | N200,000 | N250,000 |
| 2 | 10-19 YEARS | N75,000 | N100,000 | N250,000 | N350,000 |
| 3 | 20 YEARS & ABOVE | N100,000 | N150,000 | N300,000 | N400,000 |
| 4 | SAN’S, A-G’s & BENCHERS | N250,000 | N350,000 | N500,000 | N750,000 |
| 5 | MAGISTRATES | N75,000 | |||
| 6 | JUDGES & KHADI’S | N100,000 | |||
| 7 | NON-LAWYERS | N150,000 | |||
| 8 | INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES | $500.00 (PHYSICAL) | $350.00 (VIRTUAL) | ||
| 9 | SENIOR LAWYERS 70 YEARS & ABOVE & 40 YEARS POST CALL |
