“Port Harcourt To Host 2026 NBA AGC” — NBA AGM Adopts Constitutional Amendments, Strengthens Governance And Access To Justice

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held as part of the 67th Annual General Conference (AGC) in Enugu, with announcements and a comprehensive review of the Association’s activities under the leadership of President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.

The highlight of the AGM was the declaration that Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will host the 2026 AGC, provided the state is under democratic governance at the time. The decision, greeted with a standing ovation, was particularly celebrated by members of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch. Port Harcourt had originally been designated to host the 2025 conference before it was relocated to Enugu due to the state of emergency and concerns over unconstitutional governance under a sole administrator, Edison Ehie.

Osigwe explained that the choice of Port Harcourt for 2026 underscores the Association’s unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and good governance. “The Association remains committed to upholding democracy, constitutionalism, and good governance, hence the choice of Port Harcourt is tied to the assurance that the state will be under democratic leadership,” he stated.

In his annual report, titled “One Year of Bold Reforms and Shared Progress”, Osigwe highlighted transformative initiatives, including digital innovations, pro bono expansions, and fearless advocacy. Members also adopted key constitutional amendments and resolutions aimed at enhancing access to justice and challenging discriminatory state policies.

Key Achievements

Digital Transformation

• Launched the Digital Annual Practice License to streamline validation and improve transparency.
• Digitized the Letter of Good Standing to eliminate delays in issuance.
• Addressed stamp and seal production challenges, ensuring timely delivery.
• Rolled out the NBA NEC Portal to enhance registration, recordkeeping, and transparency.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Repositioned the Institute of Continuing Legal Education with a mandatory CPD regime, aligning Nigerian lawyers with global standards.

Advocacy and Public Interest

• Resisted unconstitutional removals of elected officials in Rivers and Benue States.
• Defended judicial independence while condemning abuses by security agencies.
• Relocated the 2025 AGC to Enugu to reinforce democratic values.
• Established the Joseph Ottey Pro Bono Scheme and the National Litigation Committee.
• Deepened local and global partnerships, positioning the NBA as the conscience of the nation.

Pro Bono Initiatives

• Introduced a Welfare Pro Bono Fund to support indigent clients.
• Directed NBA branches to establish Pro Bono Help Desks, staffed by NYSC members, to improve nationwide access to justice.

“In just twelve months, together we have embraced innovation, strengthened professionalism, and reasserted the NBA’s voice as a true defender of justice and democracy. This is the Proactive Bar in action: modern, united, principled, and ready to serve both our members and the wider society,” Osigwe declared.

On security concerns in the South-east, Osigwe noted that despite speculations, the Enugu conference recorded no incidents linked to IPOB or the Eastern Security Network. He expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government and commended the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), chaired by Chief Emeka JP Obegolu, SAN, for a successful event.

Constitutional Amendments

• Approved provisions allowing the President and General Secretary to serve on the General Council of the Bar (GCB).
• Strengthened accountability measures within the NBA Constitution.

Legal Challenges

• Resolved to challenge the legality of the Nigeria Police Tinted Permit Policy, describing it as discriminatory.
• Directed SPIDEL to litigate against discriminatory practices within the Nigeria Police, particularly those affecting lawyers.
• Demanded an investigation into an airport incident involving musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), urging prosecution if culpability is established.

The AGM, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, reinforced the NBA’s resolve to defend democracy, safeguard members’ rights, and promote public interest litigation, while charting the course for the Association’s continued reforms.