NBA endorses amendment of Legal Practitioners Act
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has endorsed key amendments to the Legal Practitioners Act. It described the proposed reforms as vital to strengthening professional
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has endorsed key amendments to the Legal Practitioners Act.
It described the proposed reforms as vital to strengthening professional regulation, improving ethical standards and modernising legal practice in Nigeria.
The resolution was a major outcome of the NBA NEC meeting held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Muhammed Indimi International Conference Centre in Maiduguri.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the NBA National President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and the General Secretary, Mobolaji Idris Ojibra, the Council confirmed the Association’s active participation in the public hearing conducted by the National Assembly on the Legal Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill.
NEC sought to dispel what it described as widespread misconceptions about the Bill, stressing that the drafting process was collaborative and involved the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Body of Benchers and other key stakeholders in the legal profession.
The Council maintained that the proposed amendment strengthens, rather than diminishes, the NBA’s regulatory authority.
It listed several key provisions in the Bill, including increased NBA representation on the Body of Benchers; representation of the NBA President on the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC); and the establishment of an Ethics, Adherence and Enforcement Committee empowered to investigate complaints, inspect law offices, prosecute professional misconduct and promote alternative dispute resolution for minor infractions.
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Other provisions include the decentralisation of disciplinary proceedings, mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the introduction of a structured post-call training (pupillage) period, and the retention of the mandatory Stamp and Seal regime.
NEC clarified that regulatory authority would continue to derive from NBA regulations, adding that the Bill does not transfer the power to issue practising licences to the Body of Benchers or the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The Council also disclosed ongoing engagements with the Attorney-General aimed at refining aspects of the Bill, including reducing the proposed two-year mandatory pupillage period to one year and reviewing eligibility requirements for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria from 15 years post-call to 10 years.
According to NEC, the amendments align Nigeria’s legal practice with global best practices, consolidate professional self-regulation and enhance public confidence in the justice system.
Beyond the Legal Practitioners Act, NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
It reviewed the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy by the Nigeria Police Force, raised constitutional concerns and disclosed that the NBA had challenged the policy at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Council noted that enforcement had been suspended pending judicial determination following engagement with the Inspector-General of Police.
NEC also condemned the resurgence of violent crime in the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed the lives of a nurse, Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a legal practitioner and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch.
It called for urgent and transparent investigations, observing a minute of silence in honour of the late Princess Mediatrix.
In a move to support young lawyers, NEC ratified the launch of the Kanu Agabi Young Lawyers’ Co-Working Space at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja and urged branches nationwide to replicate similar initiatives.
The Council reaffirmed its resolve to remain principled and proactive in defending professional integrity, constitutional governance and the independence of the Bar.
