The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) underscored the urgent need to rebuild ethical standards within the legal profession, noting that the declining perceptions of integrity among lawyers must be deliberately reversed.
Speaking at a pre-conference briefing ahead of its 2026 annual conference, chairman of the NBA-SLP, Folashade Alli, stated that there was a need to restore confidence in the legal profession particularly among young practitioners.
The conference, scheduled to hold from April 7 to 10 at the National Theatre, Lagos is themed “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives.”
Alli noted that the NBA- SLP remains the heartbeat of the profession, with a renewed commitment to nurturing young lawyers and broadening the scope of legal practice beyond litigation. She emphasised that legal practice extends beyond courtroom litigation, incorporating diverse specialisations that require continuous learning and adaptation.
“We are building on the legacy of those before us, while ensuring that the SLP evolves with global standards. This conference reflects our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the future of the profession,” she added.
Highlighting one of the key milestones of the conference, Alli announced that the NBA-SLP will unveil a comprehensive law firm directory, the first of its kind in Nigeria aimed at improving visibility and access to legal practitioners across the country. She revealed that over 2,600 law firms have already registered in the directory, which will be formally launched on April 8.
According to her, the initiative will, for the first time, provide a verified, centralised database of legal practitioners across the country.
“Visibility is key. We are creating a platform where individuals and organisations can easily identify and contact lawyers based on their areas of expertise.”
Speaking further on what participants were to expect, she stated that the opening day of the conference will feature a five-hour intensive training session, where a leading Nigerian law firm has volunteered to train 1,000 young lawyers on emerging trends and the future of legal practice.
She explained that the initiative is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of evolving legal frameworks, innovative practices, and global standards required to thrive in a rapidly changing legal environment.
“All the sessions are tailored towards innovation, evolving trends, Nigerian practices, and global perspectives. The young lawyers are the future of the profession, and we must invest in them,” she said.
As part of activities lined up for the first day, participants from across the country are expected to converge in Lagos, with a welcome event scheduled to be held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, alongside a film screening and networking session.
Alli further disclosed that the conference will host an array of local and international speakers from different countries addressing topics such as arbitration, taxation, and the impact of technology on legal practice.
Vice Chairman of the NBA-SLP, Tonye Krukrubo said the 2026 conference is nearing full physical attendance, with virtual participation still open, particularly for young lawyers seeking to deepen advocacy skills. He highlighted the early staging of the Young Litigators Debate and a key fireside session moderated by Yinka Omorogbe, featuring former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Krukrubo noted that discussions will address judicial independence, financial autonomy, and practical issues like garnishee proceedings, stressing that resolutions from the conference would drive reforms and strengthen the rule of law.
Kelechi Obi, Co-Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee described the section as central to the Bar, noting that ethical and proper practice remains the foundation of the profession.