The recent confirmation by the Nigerian Bar Association (the NBA) that over 10,000 Lawyers were admitted into the profession this year raises profound questions about the state of the legal profession in Nigeria, the role of the NBA itself, the fate of thousands of young Lawyers struggling to find their footing, and the prospects of those newly admitted into the profession.
For years, we complained about the relevance of the NBA to our careers and professional lives. We were told a familiar story: that the NBA is broke and unable to deliver significant value to its membership. Yet, only a few years ago, one NBA administration demonstrated what was possible. Not only did that administration clear longstanding debts, but it also renovated the ICLE's building, distributed free stamps to Lawyers, funded Law Pavilion subscriptions, provided free practice-relevant trainings and free health insurance to thousands of Lawyers, and significantly increased death benefits for all members in good financial standing.
The achievements of that administration made one thing clear: there is no excuse for an NBA administration that is not responsible, not responsive, unaccountable, and detached from the needs of the membership. If Olumide Akpata's administration could do the things enumerated above, then we can do the same and better. The NBA must wake up, take responsibility, and create an environment that safeguards the dignity of the legal profession and the welfare of its membership.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Former Chairman,
NBA Lagos Branch.
#ElevateTheBar
#LOA
#TransformativeLeadership
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