The newly Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Sokoto Branch chaired by Rashidat Mohammed Esq in a proactive effort to foster collaboration and reinforce partnerships, has within Three (3) months of its INAUGURATION embarked on a series of strategic collaborative visits to fifteen (15) key stakeholders in the State.

These visits were aimed at bolstering cooperation in the administration of justice, promotion of ethical conduct and enhancing the rule of law in Sokoto State. The stakeholders include:

The Chief Judge of Sokoto State
The Grand Khadi, Shariah Court of Appeal, Sokoto
Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Sokoto State.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC)
Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC)
National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Department of State Security Service (DSS)
Nigerian Army, 8 Division Sokoto
Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting at Sokoto
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
Correctional Services
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Sokoto

Below is an overview of the visits and their significance:

1. THE CHIEF JUDGE OF SOKOTO STATE
Meeting with the Chief Judge provided an opportunity for the NBA to express its dedication to the improvement of the judiciary’s efficiency and independence. The discussions emphasized on cooperating with the Judiciary in the State on procedural reforms, case management and access to justice. The NBA highlighted the need for sustained advocacy on judicial welfare and infrastructures.

2. THE GRAND KHADI, SHARI’A COURT OF APPEAL, SOKOTO STATE
The NBA’s visit to the Grand Khadi of Sokoto was significant in strengthening ties with the Shariah Court Appeal, Sokoto. The Committee discussed areas of collaboration with a view towards enhancing a better administration of justice in the State.

3. OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE SOKOTO STATE
The Chairman of the Branch sought for a strong partnership with the ministry of justice Sokoto state, emphasizing that such collaboration is essential for achieving a more effective and fair justice system.
The Attorney General assured the NBA of his commitment and the full support of the current administration of His Excellency Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto PhD. FCNA for the NBA Sokoto Branch. He highlighted the critical role of lawyers in the justice system and expressed his willingness to collaborate on various projects and reforms that would enhance the legal framework and improve access to justice for all residents of Sokoto State

4. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC)
The visit to the EFCC highlighted the NBA Sokoto Branch’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency. Discussions focused on collaborative measures to address economic and financial crimes and the role of the legal community in ensuring the effective prosecution of offenders. The Committee expressed its readiness to work closely with the EFCC to uphold justice and deter corrupt practices in both public and private sectors.

5. INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION (ICPC)
The NBA Sokoto Branch also engaged with the ICPC to strengthen the fight against corruption and foster ethical governance. The visit served as a platform to discuss cooperative initiatives in public enlightenment and the legal processes that support anti-corruption laws. Both entities acknowledged the importance of synergy in promoting transparency and accountability in public service.

6. NIGERIA POLICE FORCE (NPF)
The courtesy visit to the Nigeria Police Force was pivotal in addressing issues related to law enforcement, human rights, and the conduct of police Officers. The NBA underscored the need for adherence to legal standards and due process in policing by complying with standard operational procedures. The Executive Committee emphasized its willingness to collaborate on training programs and community outreach aimed at fostering mutual trust between the Police and the public.

7. NIGERIAN SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENSE CORPS (NSCDC)
The engagement with the NSCDC focused on enhancing community security and safeguarding public infrastructures. The NBA Sokoto Branch reiterated the importance of legal support in conflict resolution and public order management. Discussions also centered on potential legal workshops and awareness campaigns that could improve the Corps’ understanding of legal protocols.

8. NATIONAL DRUGS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (NDLEA)
The NBA Sokoto Branch visit to the NDLEA underscored the importance of combating drug-related offenses and protecting society from the scourge of drug abuse. Both parties discussed the legal dimensions of drug control and the need for continuous collaboration in handling drug cases and promoting rehabilitation programs for offenders. The NBA pledged to offer legal expertise to support NDLEA’s efforts in drug policy and law enforcement.

9. DEPARTMENT OF STATE SECURITY SERVICE (DSS)
The courtesy call to the Department of State Security Service (DSS) highlighted the importance of national security and intelligence in safeguarding democracy and human rights. The NBA leadership expressed its commitment to assist in promoting lawful intelligence practices and supporting the DSS in maintaining security while upholding citizens’ rights.

10. NIGERIAN ARMY, 8 DIVISION, SOKOTO
Engagements with the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division underscored the intersection between legal practice and military operations. The NBA Sokoto Branch aimed to build a partnership that would ensure respect for human rights during military engagements, compliance with international legal standards and support for military law education.

11. JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA SOKOTO JUDICIAL DIVISION
The engagement with the Federal High Court Judge sitting at Sokoto discussed strategies to facilitate smooth and speedy dispensation of justice at the federal level.

12. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC)
The visit to the Corporate Affairs Division (CAC) involved deliberations on corporate governance, business regulations and legal frameworks that affect businesses. The NBA offered to collaborate on educating the public on business registration and compliance with statutory obligations with a view of fostering better understanding of the legal processes involved in corporate affairs.

13. FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE (FIRS)
During the visit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), discussions centered on tax law and revenue generations. The NBA Sokoto Branch, emphasized the role of lawyers in facilitating tax compliance and disputes resolution. Both parties considered joint initiatives to promote tax literacy and ensure that businesses and individuals understand their tax responsibilities.

14. CORRECTIONAL SERVICE
The NBA’s visit to the Correctional Service highlighted the need for a more humane approach to prison administration and the rehabilitation of inmates. The Executive Committee expressed its interest in providing pro-bono legal services to inmates and supporting reforms that will enhance the welfare and rights of inmates as well as reduce prison congestion.

15. FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC)
The NBA’s courtesy visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) focused on traffic law enforcement and road safety. The discussions focused on public education on road safety laws and the need for collaborative efforts to reduce road traffic offenses and casualties.

16. MINISTRY OF LANDS, HOUSING AND SURVEY, SOKOTO
Lastly, the visit to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Sokoto was aimed at fostering cooperation in areas related to land use and acquisition, housing policies and generally property law related cases in all ramifications. The NBA and the Hon. Commissioner at the Ministry, discussed challenges related to land disputes and property registration. The Commissioner promised greater collaboration with the NBA.

CONCLUSION
The courtesy visits by the NBA Sokoto Branch’s Executive Committee marked a progressive step towards building strong alliances with key stakeholders in the legal and enforcement landscape. These engagements have set the stage for collaborative efforts in upholding the rule of law, promoting justice, and ensuring that Sokoto State continues to develop under the guidance of a sound legal framework.

The NBA Sokoto Branch remains committed to fostering partnerships that will benefit the community and strengthen the legal profession in the State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Signed
Aminu Hassan Esq.
Publicity Secretary
NBA Sokoto Branch