I Achieved 80% of my Campaign Manifesto – NBA General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite Esq Presents Final Report to NBA NEC, Highlights 10 Key Achievements
The General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Adesina Adegbite Esq has stated that he achieved 80% of his promises to lawyers while seeking to serve as the General Secretary of the Association.
At the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held at the Nigerian Law School Hall in Lagos, the General Secretary of the NBA, Adesina Adegbite Esq, delivered his final report, detailing significant developments within the Association over the past three months. This meeting marks the last of the current administration, and Adegbite’s final presentation as General Secretary.
In his address, Adegbite expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve and thanked NEC members for their trust and confidence throughout his tenure. He emphasized that the last quarter had been particularly productive, with several innovative projects launched that promise to significantly enhance the practice of law in Nigeria.
10 Key Developments Reported by the General Secretary
- Stamp Applications and Processing
Adegbite reported that the longstanding bottleneck in stamp production, which had persisted for two years, has finally been resolved. He confirmed that all pending stamp applications, totaling 8,719, were processed between June 21 and August 21, 2024. However, he highlighted that the current rates for stamps are unsustainable and urged NEC to consider approving a price increase to prevent future delays.
- Introduction of Digital Stamps
To address delays in stamp production, the NBA has successfully developed and implemented a Digital Stamp with Verification System, integrated with Microsoft Word and powered by blockchain technology. This innovation eliminates the need for physical stamps, allowing lawyers to practice without delays. Adegbite thanked NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau OON, SAN, for his unwavering support in realizing this project.
- NBA Insurance Scheme
The NBA’s partnership with Leadway Insurance remains active, with the Association paying a N2,000 premium per member for a N2 million life insurance benefit. Between June 21 and August 21, 2024, 11 beneficiaries’ families received insurance payouts, while seven additional claims are being processed.
- National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Scheme
Adegbite reiterated the importance of the NBA-NHIA scheme, which offers affordable healthcare access to members and their families. During the reporting period, 83 new subscriptions and 98 renewals were recorded.
- Applications for Letters of Good Standing and Verifications
The Secretariat processed 56 applications for Letters of Good Standing, over 50 applications for Bar Practicing Fees (BPF) confirmation, and 497 applications for lawyer status verification during the last quarter.
- Pending Cases
The NBA is currently tracking 56 legal cases across various courts in Nigeria, including 26 cases at the Supreme Court and 11 at the Court of Appeal.
- Pro-Bono Lawyer Registration
The NBA Pro-Bono Scheme saw the addition of 38 lawyers, bringing the total number of registered pro-bono lawyers to 265.
- NBA Library Project
Adegbite announced that the Digital Section of the NBA Library has been launched, thanks to a N20 million donation from Prince Adewole Adebayo, Principal Partner of Adewole Adebayo & Co. The library project, which has been ongoing for over a year, aims to provide comprehensive digital resources for legal practitioners.
- NBA Car Sticker Project
The long-awaited NBA Car Sticker is now ready for deployment. Members can apply for the sticker online, and it will be delivered through their respective branches. This project, designed to enhance the professional identity of lawyers, was a key promise fulfilled by the current administration.
- Secretariat Staff Promotion and Salary Structure
Adegbite highlighted efforts to review and increase the salaries of Secretariat staff, a process last undertaken in 2016. However, challenges arose due to disparities in the benefits received by some staff members. Adegbite urged the incoming administration to prioritize finalizing the staff salary review to ensure equitable remuneration.
Adegbite expressed satisfaction with the progress made during his tenure and called on the incoming administration to build on these achievements to further advance the legal profession in Nigeria.
