*Advocates for Judicial Oversight and Lawyer Representation at Police Stations
*Opposes Entry of Foreign Lawyers, Asserts Capability to Meet Nigeria’s Legal Needs
*Calls For Increased Judicial Oversight Of Detention Facilities To Prevent Detainee Mistreatment

Enugu, Nigeria – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) concluded its meeting on November 7th, 2024 at the Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu with several key resolutions aimed at strengthening the legal profession and promoting justice in Nigeria.

Among the top concerns raised was the closure of Court of Appeal divisions in Enugu and Owerri due to security issues. The NBA strongly condemned these closures and vowed to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure these courts are reopened to guarantee access to justice for citizens in the Southeast.

The NEC also called for increased judicial oversight of detention facilities through regular prison and police station visits to prevent detainee mistreatment. In a related resolution, the council plans to deploy NBA lawyers to police stations to provide prompt legal assistance and enhance public access to justice.

Other major resolutions include:

– Opposing the entry of foreign lawyers into the Nigerian legal space, asserting the Nigerian Bar’s capability to meet the country’s legal needs
– Condemning the prosecution of minors by the government as damaging to Nigeria’s image and reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to protect minors from unjust treatment
– Encouraging all NBA branches to actively participate in the upcoming 16-Day Human Rights Week to raise awareness about human rights violations
– Calling on the government to provide adequate security for peaceful protesters to safeguard free expression rights

The communique also covered administrative matters such as committee appointments, nomination of members to the Body of Benchers and General Council of the Bar, and plans for the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, reiterated the association’s dedication to upholding justice, enhancing member welfare, and advocating for policies that benefit both the legal profession and society. He urged NBA members to collaborate in strengthening the profession and protecting human rights across Nigeria.COMMUNIQUE_ISSUED_AT_THE_END_OF_THE_NIGERIAN_BAR_ASSOCIATION_NEC_MEETING_HELD_AT_ENUGU_ON._