Nigerian Bar Association calls for review of legal challenges
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an in-depth examination of the various challenges currently facing the legal system in Nigeria, with the aim of enhancing the justice sector's efficiency and responsiveness to evolving societal demands. This appeal was made by Afam Osigwe, SAN, the President of the NBA, during a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja. The event served as a lead-up to the NBA Section on Legal Practice's annual conference, which is set to take place in Jos, Plateau State.
President Osigwe underlined the imperative nature of addressing issues related to the administration of justice and the judicial process. He voiced concerns over the consistency of court strength and the myriad of challenges that both legal practitioners and court users encounter. He remarked, "The problems faced by litigants in accessing justice, the length of time and undue delays, and above all, the met or unmet expectations and the public’s perception of the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice need urgent attention."
The annual conference, themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” aims to explore contemporary obstacles in the legal profession amidst the backdrop of increasing global interconnectedness and its implications on legal practices. Paul Harris Ogbole SAN, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, elaborated on the themes that will be addressed at the gathering.
He indicated that the conference would delve into the growing demand for specialised legal services and the requisite strategies for legal practitioners to navigate new frontiers within the legal landscape. Ogbole stated, “The conference will focus on opportunities for legal practitioners, the development of legal tech solutions, the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and increased access to justice and legal empowerment initiatives.”
Ogbole further emphasised the necessity for legal professionals to engage in continuous learning, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and adopt client-centric approaches in order to adeptly handle the complexities of modern legal challenges. He assured attendees that this year’s conference is designed to provide a platform for legal professionals to engage in continuous education, collaboration, and mentorship.
He detailed that the conference would feature robust activities tailored specifically for young lawyers, offering them exposure to new ideas, advancements in technology, and opportunities to earn continuing education credits. “It will also offer opportunities for professional development,” Ogbole noted, highlighting the conference's commitment to fostering growth within the legal community.
Legal practitioners attending are expected to gain insights that are crucial for adapting to the quickly changing legal environment while also addressing the systemic issues that currently hinder the justice system in Nigeria. The event is anticipated to not only facilitate discussions around pressing legal challenges but also to equip attendees with tools and knowledge to enhance their practice and serve their clients better.
The focus on the NBA’s initiatives during this upcoming conference reflects a broader trend within legal associations to adapt to the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape and ensure that the legal profession remains relevant and effective in delivering justice to all members of society.