During a recent visit to my hometown, Ibadan, I had the honor of paying a courtesy call to the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.
In my discussions with public service lawyers, I listened to their experiences and the numerous challenges they face in fulfilling their duties. It was disheartening to learn how excluded many feel, despite being an integral part of our legal community.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which ought to represent the collective interests of every lawyer, has too often fallen short in addressing the unique needs of those in public service. This gap must be closed.
I have always maintained that the NBA must be truly member-centric — one that places the welfare of its members at the heart of its mission. Our dues and contributions should translate directly into value for all lawyers, irrespective of their practice area.
If we are to advance the legal profession meaningfully, we must ensure inclusivity across the board:
- Not only for those in the courtrooms.
- Not only for those in corporate offices.
- But also for those serving with dedication in ministries and public institutions.
The future of the NBA lies in building an association that listens, supports, and advocates for every single member. Only then can we truly say: no lawyer is left behind.