Abuja: The 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 conclusion of its 65th Annual General Conference. The association emphasized its commitment to strengthening the legal profession and inspiring reforms that would promote justice, equity, and development in Nigeria and Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NBA issued a communiqu© in Abuja after the week-long conference, calling for the modernization of the legal system to enhance access to justice and align with global standards. The association stressed the need to dismantle barriers preventing the poor and vulnerable from accessing redress, including promoting affordable litigation, stronger legal aid, and expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The communiqu© also urged the replication of financial autonomy for the judiciary, as seen in Enugu State, across the federation.
On the topic of inclusivity, the NBA resolved that lawyers must confront corruption, impunity, and injustice within and outside the profession while advancing equity and fairness in society. Legal education reforms were deemed necessary to update the Legal Practitioners Act and Rules of Professional Conduct to meet current realities. The association recommended a national mentorship framework to connect senior lawyers with younger practitioners and emphasized the deepening of ethics training and continuing development programs.
Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), the NBA advocated for structured engagement, including the development of Nigeria-specific legal AI models trained on domestic statutes and case law. The integration of AI literacy, ethics, and data protection into law schools’ curricula and continuing professional education for judges, lawyers, and court staff was also recommended. Ethical safeguards, professional oversight, and continuous human supervision were considered critical for preventing AI misuse.
In economic matters, delegates called for reforms to curb reckless political spending, enforce transparency in public finance, and strengthen accountability for mismanagement. Socio-economic impact assessments were advised to precede major policy changes, alongside protective measures for vulnerable groups. An urgent review of the minimum wage to reflect inflation realities and its implementation by all states was recommended.
On taxation, the NBA suggested harmonizing tax policies across federal, state, and local governments, simplifying tax processes, and using digital systems to enhance transparency. Tax reforms were advised to prioritize equity to ensure SMEs and vulnerable groups were not overburdened, with stronger enforcement and wider stakeholder consultations deemed necessary for sustaining compliance.
In terms of gender equality, the NBA urged the enforcement of gender equality laws and the adoption of affirmative action to increase women’s participation in leadership, governance, and business. The association also called for mentorship and leadership programs for young women and reforms addressing institutional and societal barriers.
The NBA resolved that tougher legislation aligned with international standards was needed to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. A national master plan prioritizing maintenance, transparency, and innovative technology for monitoring regional projects was recommended. On financial crimes, the NBA condemned money laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption, urging Nigerians and their leaders to stand against ‘dirty money.’
The association also recommended legal education reforms to align Nigerian universities and the Law School with global best practices. For land administration, digitalization of registries, automatic registration of land once taxes are paid, and the creation of specialized land tribunals for quick dispute resolution were suggested. Public awareness campaigns on land rights and security of title were also urged.
The NBA further called for prioritizing modern education to build critical thinking, digital literacy, and technical skills among young Nigerians and expanding intelligence-led security approaches nationwide to tackle insecurity. The NBA emphasized that the Bar must uphold the highest professional standards while serving as the conscience of the nation and a voice for the underprivileged, with the resolutions designed to reposition the legal profession as a driver of national and continental development.