Promoting sustainability in Nigeria: The role of the Nigerian Bar Association
By Ebaide Omiunu
In a world facing an unprecedented climate crisis, every institution must assess its role in combating climate change. Legal institutions, in particular, have
a pivotal responsibility, as laws and policies shape the foundation of environmental protection. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Africa’s largest body of lawyers, is uniquely positioned to take the lead in addressing climate change, ensuring environmental sustainability, and fostering youth engagement. Despite this potential, the NBA has yet to prioritize these issues in its agenda. This was evident at the recently concluded NBA
Annual General Conference (AGC), where no breakout sessions were devoted to these critical topics, despite being spotlighted by the keynote speakers.
During the AGC’s opening ceremony, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, highlighted the fundamental issues surrounding sustainability, stressing the need for robust legal frameworks and institutional commitment. Similarly, former President John Mahama of the Republic of Ghana emphasized youth engagement and climate change several times during his keynote address.
These observations illustrate the growing urgency surrounding these topics. As a body of highly skilled professionals, the NBA must step up, strengthen its influence, and be at the forefront of driving the implementation of legal strategies that address environmental sustainability and empower the youth to take action.
Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical challenges facing humanity. Its far-reaching impacts touch every sector, from agriculture and health to infrastructure and energy. Legal institutions worldwide are increasingly recognizing their role in shaping climate action. From drafting policies to adjudicating environmental disputes, the legal fraternity holds significant power in creating a sustainable future. Bar associations, in particular, can
act as catalysts for environmental justice by influencing policy development, advocating for stronger regulations, and driving discourse on global platforms such as the United Nations.
Despite the growing international focus on climate change, the NBA has yet to take significant steps toward addressing these issues. This is particularly concerning given the association’s size and influence, both within Nigeria and across Africa. The absence of these topical areas from the NBA’s conference agenda suggests a gap in the association’s priorities.
Given Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and a growing population of young people, it is imperative that the NBA steps forward to lead the charge in addressing these challenges.
The NBA must harness its influence to advocate for stronger environmental laws, promote sustainable practices within the legal profession, and support youth-led initiatives focused on climate action. By doing so, the NBA can demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the future of the country and its people.
To demonstrate its readiness to lead on these issues, the NBA must first strengthen its capacity and influence. This can be achieved through several
actionable strategies:
• Institutionalizing Climate and Environmental Law Programs: The NBA should create dedicated programs or committees focused on climate change, environmental law, and sustainability. These programs can organize seminars, workshops, and roundtable discussions that educate lawyers on the intersection of law and climate action.
• Youth Engagement and Mentorship: The NBA should actively engage young lawyers and law students in climate action initiatives. This can be done through mentorship programs that connect seasoned lawyers with young advocates passionate about environmental justice. The NBA should also sponsor competitions, essay writing contests, and hackathons that encourage innovative legal solutions to climate challenges.
• Consultative Status with the United Nations: The NBA should seek consultative status with the United Nations and other international bodies focused on climate change and sustainability. By participating in global forums, the NBA can influence international discourse, contribute to global climate policies, and position Nigeria as a leader in environmental law.
• Policy Advocacy and Legal Reform: The NBA should advocate for stronger environmental laws and policies in Nigeria. This includes pushing for the enforcement of existing environmental laws and working with the government to draft new policies that address emerging climate challenges. The NBA can also partner with environmental organizations, both locally and globally, to drive policy reforms.
• Promoting Sustainability within the Legal Profession: The NBA should lead by example by promoting sustainable practices within the legal profession. This can involve adopting eco-friendly practices in law firms, such as reducing paper usage, promoting green energy solutions, and encouraging pro-bono work focused on environmental justice.
As an association made up of intelligent leadership, the NBA has the potential to drive climate discourse at an altitude beyond its current reach and succeed in making a significant impact. To do this, the NBA must adopt a proactive stance on climate change, working to embed sustainability into its core values and strategic objectives.
While the NBA has not yet taken meaningful steps in this direction, it is not too late for the association to become a leader in climate action. By leveraging its size, influence, and intellectual capital, the NBA can elevate its role on the global stage, positioning itself as a champion of environmental sustainability and a defender of future generations.
The Nigerian Bar Association stands at a crossroads. As the largest body of lawyers in Africa, it has a responsibility not only to shape legal practice but also to influence the national and international agenda on critical issues such as climate change and environmental sustainability. The NBA must now take deliberate
action to strengthen its position and demonstrate that it is ready to lead on these issues. Through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships, the NBA can drive the legal discourse on climate change, engage young lawyers in environmental advocacy, and set a new standard for bar associations across Africa. It is time for the NBA to take its seat at the front of this global movement, guiding Nigeria and the continent toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
As the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, powerfully asked during her keynote address closing, “Are we ready?” I believe the NBA is indeed ready to take on this challenge. It is time for the NBA to rise to the occasion and lead the charge on climate change, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability. With a new leadership at the helm, there is an opportunity for bold
action. By embracing its potential, strengthening its institutional capacity, and prioritizing these critical issues, the NBA can take the front seat in driving impactful legal reforms and setting the standard for environmental justice across Africa. The moment is here, and I trust that the NBA’s leadership is ready to seize it.
Ebaide Omiunu is a lawyer, Climate Change and Sustainability Advocate/Educator based in Abuja.
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