NBA pledges legal, economic, governance reforms
Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has pledged wide-ranging reforms in the areas of law, governance, economy, technology, gender equality, taxation, infrastructure, and financial accountability at the end of its 65th Annual General Conference.
The association said the resolutions were part of its commitment to strengthen the legal profession and inspire reforms that would promote justice, equity, and development in Nigeria and Africa.
In a communiqué issued on Monday in Abuja after the week-long conference, the NBA called for the modernisation of the legal system to enhance access to justice and align with global standards.
It said deliberate steps must be taken to dismantle barriers preventing the poor and vulnerable from accessing redress, including promotion of affordable litigation, stronger legal aid, and expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The communiqué urged replication of financial autonomy for the judiciary as implemented in Enugu State across the federation.
It also called for removal of intra-African barriers to development, including visa restrictions, and promotion of local industries and cultural pride.
On inclusivity, the NBA resolved that lawyers must show courage in confronting corruption, impunity, and injustice within and outside the profession while advancing equity and fairness in the society.
The communiqué said that reforms in legal education were necessary to ensure the Legal Practitioners Act and Rules of Professional Conduct were updated to meet present realities.
It recommended institutionalisation of a national mentorship framework to connect senior lawyers with younger practitioners, while ethics training and continuing development programmes should be deepened.
On artificial intelligence (AI), the NBA resolved that structured engagement with AI was required, including development of Nigeria-specific legal AI models trained on domestic statutes and case law.
It recommended integration of AI literacy, ethics, and data protection into the curriculum of law schools and continuing professional education for judges, lawyers, and court staff.
The communiqué said adoption of AI must be supported by ethical safeguards, professional oversight, and continuous human supervision to prevent abuse.
On the economy, delegates called for reforms to curb reckless political spending, enforce transparency in public finance, and strengthen accountability for mismanagement.
It said socio-economic impact assessments should precede major policy changes and that protective measures must be adopted to shield vulnerable groups.
The communiqué recommended urgent review of the minimum wage to reflect inflation realities and urged all states to implement it.
It called for deepening of public-private partnerships to boost job creation, processing of solid minerals locally rather than raw export, and policies that build investor confidence.
On taxation, the NBA recommended harmonisation of tax policies across federal, state, and local governments, simplification of tax processes, and use of digital systems to enhance transparency.
The communiqué stressed that tax reforms must prioritise equity to ensure SMEs and vulnerable groups were not overburdened.
It also said stronger enforcement and wider stakeholder consultations were necessary to sustain compliance.
On gender equality, the NBA urged governments and professional bodies to enforce gender equality laws and adopt affirmative action to increase women’s participation in leadership, governance, and business.
The association also called for mentorship and leadership programmes for young women as well as reforms that address institutional and societal barriers.
On infrastructure, the association resolved that tougher legislation aligned with international standards was needed to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.
It called for adoption of a national master plan that prioritises maintenance, transparency, and use of innovative technology to monitor regional projects.
On financial crimes, the NBA condemned money laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption, saying Nigerians and their leaders must stand against “dirty money.”
“Lawyers are reminded of their duty to carry out due diligence in financial transactions and to report suspicious activities involving clients, “it stated.
The association recommended reforms in legal education to align Nigerian universities and the Law School with global best practices.
On land administration, it called for digitalisation of registries, automatic registration of land once taxes are paid, and creation of specialised land tribunals for quick resolution of disputes.
It also urged public awareness campaigns on land rights and security of title.
The NBA further called for prioritisation of modern education that builds critical thinking, digital literacy, and technical skills among young Nigerians.
It recommended expansion of intelligence-led security approaches across the country to tackle insecurity.
The NBA said the Bar must continue to uphold the highest professional standards while serving as the conscience of the nation and a voice for the underprivileged.
It added that the resolutions were designed to reposition the legal profession as a driver of national rebirth and continental development.
