As Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN has now concluded his tenure as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on August 29th, 2024, it is an opportune moment to reflect on his remarkable achievements and the profound impact he has had on Nigeria’s legal profession.
Mr. Maikyau’s two-year tenure, marked by visionary leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law, has significantly influenced the NBA and Nigeria’s broader legal landscape.landscape.landscape.landscape.landscape.landscape.landscape.
A Legacy of Prudence: Financial Stewardship
One of Mr. Maikyau’s presidency’s most significant hallmarks is his astute financial management. Under his stewardship, the NBA saw an unprecedented level of financial prudence that ensured the association’s fiscal health and set a new standard for transparency and accountability. Mr. Maikyau inherited an association with a mixed financial history, but through his commitment to responsible management, he turned around the NBA’s finances, making it more sustainable and efficient.
His financial reforms included rigorous budgeting processes, enhanced auditing procedures, and a culture of fiscal discipline that permeated every aspect of the association’s operations. This financial prudence enabled the NBA to fund several key initiatives, including the modernization of its infrastructure, without overextending its resources. Mr. Maikyau’s careful stewardship ensured that the NBA’s resources were used effectively to benefit its members and the wider legal community.
Strengthening Relationships with Government: A Catalyst for Law Reforms
Another cornerstone of Mr. Maikyau’s presidency was his ability to forge and maintain strong relationships with various arms of government. Understanding that effective legal reforms require collaboration with the government, Mr. Maikyau worked tirelessly to build bridges between the NBA and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
This strategic engagement resulted in several significant law reforms, the most notable being the recent 300% increase in the salaries of judicial officers. This long overdue reform is a testament to Mr. Maikyau’s advocacy for a better working environment for the judiciary.
By addressing the financial well-being of judges, he has helped to bolster the judiciary’s independence and integrity, ensuring that judicial officers are better positioned to deliver justice without fear or favour.
Under Mr. Maikyau’s leadership, the NBA also played a critical role in influencing policy changes and legislative reforms that have strengthened the rule of law in Nigeria. His administration was instrumental in advocating for the passage of key legislation aimed at improving the justice system, enhancing access to justice, and protecting the rights of Nigerians. Mr. Maikyau’s ability to navigate the complexities of government relations and his unwavering commitment to legal reform have left a lasting impact on the Nigerian legal system.
Pioneering Digital Transformation: The NBA Digital Library and Digital Stamp and Seal
In an era where digitalization is transforming every facet of society, Mr. Maikyau recognised the need for the NBA to embrace technology to remain relevant and efficient. His administration introduced several groundbreaking digital initiatives that have modernised the way legal professionals in Nigeria work and interact with the association.
The NBA Digital Library, one of his flagship projects, has revolutionised access to legal resources for association members. Before this initiative, many lawyers, particularly those in remote areas, struggled to access up-to-date legal materials and resources.
The Digital Library now provides members with easy access to a vast repository of legal texts, case law, and other essential resources, all from the convenience of their digital devices. This innovation has democratised access to knowledge, ensuring that all NBA members, regardless of location, have the tools they need to succeed in their practice.
Another significant achievement of Mr. Maikyau’s presidency is the introduction of the NBA Digital Stamp and Seal. Before this initiative, obtaining the NBA’s official stamp and seal was cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to delays.
The analogue system often caused significant stress for lawyers, particularly those working under tight deadlines. Recognising the need for a more efficient process, Mr. Maikyau spearheaded the transition to a digital stamp and seal system. This new system allows lawyers to obtain their stamps and seals quickly and easily, reducing the administrative burden on practitioners and ensuring they can focus on their core work.
Introducing these digital tools is a testament to Mr. Maikyau’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the legal profession. These initiatives have not only improved the efficiency of legal practice but have also positioned the NBA as a modern, progressive association that is responsive to the needs of its members.
Enhancing Member Welfare: A Commitment to the Legal Community
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Maikyau demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare of NBA members. Recognising the challenges legal practitioners face in Nigeria, he implemented several initiatives to improve their professional lives and well-being.
One key area of focus was enhancing professional development opportunities for lawyers. Mr. Maikyau’s administration organised numerous training programs, workshops, and seminars that gave lawyers the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly changing legal environment.
These programs covered a wide range of topics, from emerging areas of law to the latest developments in legal technology, ensuring that NBA members are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern legal practice.
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In addition to professional development, Maikyau prioritised the welfare of young lawyers, who often face significant challenges in the early stages of their careers. His administration introduced several initiatives to support young lawyers, including mentorship programs, financial assistance schemes, and initiatives to improve their working conditions. These efforts have helped to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for young lawyers, empowering them to build successful careers in the legal profession.
Mr. Maikyau’s presidency has been marked by a solid commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights. He consistently used his platform to speak out against injustices and advocate for all Nigerians’ rights. Under his leadership, the NBA took a proactive stance on issues such as police brutality, human rights abuses, and electoral integrity, ensuring that the association remained a powerful voice for justice and accountability.
One of the most notable examples of this commitment was the NBA’s response to the EndSARS protests in 2023. During this period of national unrest, Mr. Maikyau led the NBA in calling for an end to police brutality and the reform of the Nigerian Police Force.
He also ensured that the association provided legal support to victims of police violence and advocated for their rights in the face of government crackdowns. His leadership during this crisis underscored the NBA’s role as a guardian of justice and a defender of the rights of the oppressed.
Furthermore, Mr. Maikyau’s administration played a crucial role in monitoring and advocating for the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. As the country prepared for the 2023 general elections, the NBA, under his guidance, established an election monitoring committee that ensured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. This effort was part of a broader commitment to safeguarding democracy in Nigeria and ensuring that people’s will was respected.
Strengthening Relationships with Government: A Catalyst for Law Reforms
Strengthening the NBA’s Institutional Capacity
Mr. Maikyau’s tenure also saw significant efforts to strengthen the NBA’s institutional capacity. Recognising that a strong and effective association is essential for advancing the legal profession, he implemented a series of reforms to improve the NBA’s organisational structure and operations.
One key initiative in this regard was the restructuring of the NBA’s secretariat. Mr. Maikyau introduced measures to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance member service delivery. These reforms included the adoption of modern management practices, the introduction of performance metrics, and the professionalisation of the secretariat staff. As a result, the NBA’s secretariat is now better equipped to meet members’ needs and support the association’s broader goals.
In addition to these internal reforms, Mr. Maikyau also worked to strengthen the NBA’s relationships with international legal organisations. His administration forged partnerships with several global legal bodies, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration on issues of mutual interest. These partnerships have not only raised the NBA’s profile on the international stage but have also provided Nigerian lawyers with access to global best practices and resources.
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Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Throughout his presidency, Maikyau was a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. He recognised that the NBA, as the leading legal association in Nigeria, is responsible for promoting equality and ensuring that all lawyers, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, have equal opportunities to succeed.
Maikyau’s administration took concrete steps to promote diversity within the NBA’s leadership and decision-making structures. He advocated for better representation of women and minority groups in critical positions within the association and ensured that the NBA’s policies and initiatives were inclusive and reflective of the diverse makeup of the legal profession in Nigeria.
One key initiative in this area was the establishment of the NBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This committee was tasked with developing strategies to promote diversity within the association and address the challenges faced by under-represented groups. The committee’s work has led to several important changes, including introducing mentorship programmes for women lawyers and initiatives to support lawyers from marginalised communities.
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A Vision for the Future: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
As Mr. Y.C. Maikyau SAN steps down as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, he leaves behind a legacy of progress, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the legal profession and the rule of law. His achievements over the past two years have set a new standard for leadership within the NBA and positioned the association for continued success in the years to come.
Under his leadership, the NBA has become a more modern, efficient, and inclusive organisation, better equipped to serve its members and advance the cause of justice in Nigeria. As the legal community bids farewell to Mr. Maikyau in his capacity as NBA President, it does so with deep gratitude for his service and confidence that his contributions will continue to benefit the association and the nation for many years.
In closing, Mr. Maikyau is leaving a financially sound and stable organisation to the incoming president, unlike the previous practice of incurring substantial debts that burden successive administrations.
As we extend our best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous retirement to Mr. Maikyau, we also encourage the incoming President to follow the exemplary leadership and sound financial management practices demonstrated by Mr. Maikyau during his tenure.
Abba Musa Danladi
Financial Secretary, NBA Abuja
+234-7038620398
