The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, has called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police, to refrain from summoning nominees for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for questioning as part of the conferment process.

Speaking during a post-Annual General Conference (AGC) media briefing held in Abuja on Monday, Osigwe said that while confidential reports from security agencies are a welcome part of the screening process, it is inappropriate and unnecessary for nominees to be “grilled” in person by security operatives.

“Our position is that confidential reports by the DSS and other security agencies should be allowed, but no agency should invite SAN nominees to their office for questioning or grilling,” Osigwe stated firmly.

He described such invitations as potentially prejudicial and counterproductive to the professional and independent nature of the profession, as judges are also permitted to handle confidential issues related to cases managed by SAN nominees.

According to the NBA president, intelligence should be discreetly gathered, without compromising the dignity and integrity of the nominees or turning the process into a form of pre-trial investigation.

Osigwe also spoke on the recent conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland, stating that there were key takeaways for Nigeria’s justice system.

He emphasized the importance of timely, well-investigated prosecutions that are built on solid evidence and concluded efficiently. “The Nigerian judiciary, investigative and prosecutorial agencies should observe how that trial was conducted, the quality of evidence, the speed of the process, and the clarity of the outcome,” he said.

He further advised security agencies to be proactive in addressing the misuse of social media for inciting hate or promoting terrorism, rather than reacting only when political figures are targeted.

“Persons who use social media to promote ethnic hatred or terrorism must be held accountable, no matter who they are or where they are,” he added.

At the recently concluded NBA conference, Osigwe defended the inclusion of young lawyers as speakers and participants, dismissing criticism about their perceived lack of experience. He reiterated the association’s commitment to inclusivity across all levels of seniority.

In its final communiqué, from the 65th AGC, the NBA president acknowledged the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor in Nigerian society, emphasizing that systemic legal and economic barriers continue to deny justice to the most vulnerable.

He noted that many of Nigeria’s laws remain outdated and fail to reflect current realities, thereby perpetuating inequality and stalling national development. The conference called for the legal profession to rise to its historic duty to drive reform, promote equity, and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.

He pointed out that a major theme of the conference was the disruptive rise of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on legal practice. While recognizing the potential of AI to revolutionize efficiency in legal work, the NBA warned of its limitations, including the risk of hallucinations and misinformation.

He emphasized that AI must never replace human judgment and called for the development of Nigeria-specific AI models trained on local statutes and case law. The ethical use of AI, continuous legal education, and robust digital literacy were deemed vital for the future of the profession.

The communiqué also reflected deep concern about Africa’s dependence on foreign systems and legal traditions that often do not align with indigenous values. The Association advocated for legal frameworks that reflect African culture and identity, encouraged intra-African collaboration, and called for visa-free movement across the continent to promote economic integration and unity.

The NBA president said lawyers have called for transformative reforms across Nigeria’s legal, economic, and political systems.

According to him, delegates from across the country and beyond engaged in intense deliberations on the state of the nation, the challenges facing the legal profession, and the urgent need to reposition Nigeria’s justice system to serve its people better.

He identified mentorship, discipline, and ethics as key pillars for strengthening the legal profession. The NBA emphasized that talent alone is not enough and that young lawyers must be developed through structured mentorship and ongoing professional development.

He disclosed that delegates decried poor remuneration, lack of succession planning in law firms, and the disconnection between legal education and the realities of practice, which have contributed to the migration of many young lawyers abroad.

On the economy, the NBA president criticized the government’s policy approach, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates without adequate cushioning measures, which it said have deepened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

He called for careful sequencing of reforms, transparency in public finance, and urgent enforcement of a living minimum wage to protect the most vulnerable. The NBA president also warned against reckless political spending and emphasized the need for strong institutions and visionary leadership as prerequisites for sustainable development.

The conference underscored the crucial importance of women’s inclusion in law, governance, and business, emphasizing that despite notable progress, structural barriers and cultural stereotypes persist in hindering their full participation. It recommended affirmative action, enforcement of gender-sensitive laws, and investment in mentorship and leadership development for women.

Security and human rights were also high on the agenda. The NBA president condemned arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and the misuse of national security claims to stifle dissent.

He called for greater transparency and accountability in policing and judicial oversight of detention practices. Child protection was another major concern, with the Association decrying the poor enforcement of the Child Rights Act and the continued detention of minors without adequate diversion programs.

On Tax reform, infrastructure, and the need for clean financial practices, these issues also featured prominently in the resolutions. The NBA president called for simpler, equitable tax policies, investment in infrastructure with a strong maintenance culture, and stricter measures to combat money laundering and economic corruption. Lawyers were urged to take a proactive role in reporting suspicious financial activities and upholding the integrity of the financial system.

In the areas of land law, sports, and entertainment, the conference called for modernization of land registration systems, protection of IP rights, and establishment of specialized tribunals to address disputes swiftly and affordably.

The NBA president reaffirmed the league’s commitment to being a conscience of the nation and a force for justice, reform, and national rebirth. Delegates declared that the legal profession must not only regulate itself but also lead the charge toward a more equitable, ethical, and inclusive Nigeria.

He emphasized that the future of the country and of Africa rests on strong institutions, an independent judiciary, and a profession rooted in service, discipline, and innovation. (The Guardian)

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