The Nigerian Bar Association Anti-Corruption Committee (NBAA-CC) has expressed concern over delays in the handling of corruption cases involving legal practitioners, calling for greater transparency and accountability as Nigeria enters 2026.

In a New Year goodwill message signed by its Chairman, Prof. Babafemi Badejo, the committee said while progress was recorded in strengthening anti-corruption structures within the legal profession in 2025, unresolved high-profile cases risk undermining public confidence in the justice system.

The committee described the approval by the NBA National Executive Committee for the establishment of Anti-Corruption Committees at branch levels as a major milestone, saying the move would help localise anti-corruption advocacy and strengthen ethical vigilance across the association.

“The decentralised structure is a strategic step to empower grassroots advocacy and ensure ethical standards permeate every tier of the NBA,” Badejo said.

He noted that activities marking World Anti-Corruption Day across several NBA branches also reflected growing commitment within the legal profession to integrity and accountability.

However, the committee voiced concern over prolonged corruption cases involving lawyers, describing them as a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.

Badejo referenced a widely publicised case decided outside Nigeria in 2025, noting that its implications raised serious questions for the country’s legal and institutional frameworks.

While acknowledging that the Attorney-General of the Federation had announced an investigation into the matter, the committee criticised the lack of updates on the probe.

“The absence of tangible progress, credible interim updates or a clear timeline for resolution is damaging and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability,” Badejo said.

He added that the situation falls short of Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, particularly in areas of public sector transparency and civil society participation.

The NBAA-CC said it had offered technical support to assist in ensuring a credible investigative process but regretted that the offer had not been taken up.

The committee also aligned itself with recent remarks by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the importance of the rule of law, stressing that corruption remains a major obstacle to its full realisation.

Highlighting efforts at branch level, Badejo cited initiatives by NBA branches in Anambra, Kaduna, Barnawa and Ikorodu, including collaborations with anti-corruption agencies and public sensitisation through media programmes.

Looking ahead to 2026, the committee outlined key priorities, including advocacy for time-bound investigations into corruption allegations, expanded ethics training for lawyers, stronger whistleblower protection mechanisms and increased support for branch-level anti-corruption committees.

The committee also urged lawyers to scrutinise candidates seeking NBA leadership positions, emphasising integrity and clear anti-corruption commitments as essential criteria.

“The fight against corruption demands active stewardship of justice, not passive compliance,” Badejo said, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to promoting transparency, integrity and accountability within the legal profession.

He expressed hope that 2026 would be marked by “courageous actions, fortified integrity and tangible progress” in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. (Daily Trust)