In a move to address the challenges faced by the legal profession in Nigeria, the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, announced the establishment of the Adjudicature Review Committee (ARC) during his inaugural speech.

The primary objective of the ARC is to periodically review decisions from appellate courts, particularly the Supreme Court, and present well-researched commentaries on cases that have a significant impact on the development of the law and the administration of justice in Nigeria.

Osigwe emphasized the need for the judiciary to restore public confidence and become the trusted champion of democracy and development in the country. He highlighted the importance of appellate courts delivering judgments that provide clear policy directions for lower courts, ensuring adherence to the principles of judicial precedence and stare decisis.

The ARC will publish quarterly reports reviewing high-impact decisions of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal, offering strategic insights to guide further developments or refinements in key areas of economic, social, and political development. These reports will also include a Judicial Reform Report, outlining the NBA’s interventions to drive the reform of the legal profession and position it as a champion of democracy and good governance.

The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Sam Amadi, with Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, serving as the Alternate Chair, and Victoria Banke-Olagbegi as the Secretary.

By establishing the Adjudicature Review Committee, the NBA aims to promote coherent and consistent adjudication, strengthen the rule of law, and contribute to the overall development of the nation. The Committee’s work will serve as a guide to the legal profession, providing high-quality advisories and strategic inputs to upgrade judicial decisions and align them with the dynamics of Nigeria’s evolving landscape.