New Nigerian Bar Association President Vows to Tackle Lawyers' Economic Hardship

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has officially assumed office as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), marking a significant moment for the legal profession in Nigeria. In her inaugural address, delivered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Badejo-Okusanya declared that her administration's core priorities would be the economic welfare of lawyers, upholding professional dignity, fostering inclusion, and amplifying the institutional voice of the legal community.

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Members first, always. We will build a bolder bar that works for everyone.

Badejo-Okusanya emphasized that her mandate is a trust, not merely a prize, and committed to building "a bolder bar that works for everyone." She acknowledged the economic realities confronting many lawyers, particularly young practitioners and those in smaller firms, stating, "A lawyer who is economically vulnerable is not truly professionally free." She asserted that economic dignity is intrinsically linked to professional dignity, making it an essential foundation for the profession.

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A lawyer who is economically vulnerable is not truly professionally free. Economic dignity is not separate from professional dignity. It is essential to it.

To achieve these goals, the new NBA president outlined a plan to establish a sustained framework for fair remuneration, enhance access to job opportunities, and promote mentorship. She also intends to facilitate the adoption of technology in legal practice and support emerging areas of law. Specific initiatives include subsidizing access to electronic law reports for lawyers and reintroducing the NBA affinity card, which will offer negotiated discounts on essential services like airlines, hotels, supermarkets, and pharmacies.

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It has taken 35 years, but history is not made merely when a barrier falls. History is made when those who pass through the opening widen it for others.

Beyond economic concerns, Badejo-Okusanya addressed professional conduct, warning of "scant tolerance" for misconduct, especially abusive exchanges on social media. She stressed the importance of maintaining the profession's dignity, even amidst political disagreements, and vowed decisive action against any behavior that could erode public confidence in the legal profession. The modernization of the NBA secretariat was also a key promise, signaling a commitment to a more efficient and responsive association.

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her administration would have “scant tolerance” for misconduct, particularly abusive and insulting exchanges among lawyers on social media.