Stand Out, Stand Tall: a report on the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference

As the wheels of Ibom Air’s sleek airbus touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Sunday, 31st August 2025, I leaned back in quiet reflection on what was, without doubt, a week well spent at the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

This year’s AGC was hosted in Enugu, the historic “Coal City,” known for its early 20th-century mining heritage. Originally slated for Rivers State, the venue was changed after a sudden state of emergency was declared. With little time to prepare, expectations were modest. Yet Enugu rose to the challenge, welcoming delegates with warmth and delivering a memorable conference.

The AGC remains the largest gathering of legal minds in Africa and a true melting pot of cultures and ideas. Over 20,000 participants, including lawyers, judges, and policymakers, convened from across Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming the conference’s stature as the single biggest congregation of legal professionals in Africa.

Events commenced on Friday, 22nd August, with the Jumaat Service and delegate registration at Michael Okpara Square and the International Conference Centre. From the outset, coordination and logistics were impressive. Day Two featured the traditional NBA Health Walk, led by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, who reminded lawyers of the need to prioritize health despite the demands of the profession. The NBA Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) added a green twist with Project 1000, an initiative to plant trees and promote sustainability.

Day Three opened with a church service and culminated in a vibrant ceremony at the International Conference Centre. Highlights included President Osigwe’s rousing call for lawyers to “stand out and stand tall” in defence of justice; Governor Peter Mbah’s declaration of the conference open while showcasing Enugu’s justice reforms; the Sultan of Sokoto’s warning against justice becoming a privilege of the rich; and South Africa’s Julius Malema electrifying delegates with a fiery call for pan-African unity and economic independence.

A major highlight for me was the opening plenary on Monday, 25th August, themed “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” The session featured robust discussions on Nigeria’s economic trajectory amid shifting policies, with contributions from Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Mr. Gabriel Okeowo, Mr. George Etomi, and Dr. Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, former World Bank Vice President and ex-Minister of Education.

Across the week, about 22 breakout sessions addressed diverse topics.

As a young lawyer, I was especially proud of the strong role of the NBA-YLF, which organized side events such as social mixers, an AGM, breakout sessions, and its own exhibition booth. The YLF session, themed “Trailblazing Beyond Borders,” coordinated by Sopuruchi Rufus, Vice chairman of the NBA YLF Lagos branch, challenged young lawyers to embrace mentorship, carve unique niches, and compete globally. I had the privilege of contributing, reminding colleagues that “the Stone Age did not end because humanity ran out of stones, but because it evolved into a higher level of awareness.” In agreement with the panellists, I urged young lawyers to embrace new opportunities, move beyond remuneration complaints, and pursue skills and emerging practice areas that position them for greater impact.

And, of course, no AGC would be complete without its social side.

The parties provided a refreshing break from the usual courtroom rigours and corporate grind, while the President’s Cup offered a chance for a spirited football competition. Abuja’s male and female teams emerged champions and have earned the bragging rights until the next edition.

My assessment is that this was a beautifully planned and executed conference, and its mix of serious discourse, vibrant networking, and lively social gatherings has set the bar even higher for future editions.

Gideon Edem is an Associate at Aluko and Oyebode, ALN Nigeria and the Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum, Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch.