*Proposes Constitutional Amendments to Strengthen Association’s Operations

In his inaugural speech, the newly appointed President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, announced his commitment to tackle the recurrent delays in the issuance of NBA Stamp and Seal. Recognizing the importance of this issue, Osigwe declared that he would personally lead the charge in engaging service providers to identify and resolve the underlying problems causing these delays.

As part of his innovative approach, the NBA President unveiled plans to introduce the NBA Digital Signature at no additional cost to lawyers who pay for the NBA Stamp and Seal. This digital signature will be linked to an application for the personalized adhesive NBA Stamp and Seal, enabling lawyers to affix digital signatures to electronic documents. The unique features of the digital signature will make it more practical and secure than traditional wet signatures, facilitating compliance with the Evidence Act 2011 (as amended in 2023) and various international regulations.

Osigwe emphasized the significance of the digital signature in proving the authenticity and source of documents, ensuring the integrity of the content, and confirming the identity of the signer. The inclusion of a trusted third-party time-stamp will further support time-sensitive document transactions and audit trails.

By prioritizing the timely issuance of the NBA Stamp and Seal and introducing the NBA Digital Signature, the new NBA President aims to enhance the efficiency and security of legal documentation processes, ultimately benefiting legal practitioners and their clients alike.

Also, during his inaugural address, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, highlighted the need for further amendments to the NBA Constitution. These proposed amendments aim to address various operational aspects of the Association and ensure its smooth functioning.

One of the key amendments seeks to operationalize the remittance of 20% of Bar Practice Fees to NBA Branches, ensuring a fair distribution of resources and empowering local chapters to carry out their activities effectively. Additionally, Osigwe proposed an amendment to align the election of the NBA President and General Secretary with their automatic membership in the General Council of the Bar, as provided by the Legal Practitioners Act.

Recognizing the increasing cost and challenges associated with NBA election campaigns, the President called for an amendment to address campaign financing issues and establish clear guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Furthermore, Osigwe emphasized the need for a dispute resolution mechanism among elected officers of the NBA, promoting unity and fostering a collaborative working environment within the Association’s leadership.

The President also acknowledged the presence of perceived lacunae in the NBA Constitution and proposed amendments to address these gaps, ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the legal profession.

To oversee the constitutional amendment process, Osigwe announced the formation of a Constitution Review Committee, which will be chaired by Abdul Mohammed SAN, with Stanley Dozie Imo serving as the Alternate Chair.

By proposing these constitutional amendments, the NBA President aims to strengthen the Association’s operational framework, promote transparency, and ensure the effective functioning of the NBA in serving its members and the broader legal community.