Insider alleges financial mismanagement

Vendors who provided services at the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) annual conferences are threatening to occupy the association’s secretariat in Abuja over unpaid debts, alleging prolonged non-payment and financial mismanagement within the NBA.

According to Olakintan Seyikumi, the spokesperson for the vendors, the NBA owes millions of naira to vendors who provided services at the 62nd NBA Annual Conference in 2022 under the administration of former NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN. Additionally, vendors from the 2023 conference were only partially paid as of March 2024, six months after the event.

“We have been patient for too long,” Seyikumi stated. “We have written letters, made phone calls, and even protested before. But still, the NBA has refused to pay us. We have no choice but to occupy the NBA secretariat until our debts are settled.”

The vendors previously protested over the unpaid debts last year, but despite assurances from the NBA, payments remain outstanding. The association has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, Seyikumi warned that drastic action would be taken if the NBA leadership continues to ignore their grievances. “We are calling on the NBA leadership to take immediate action to settle our debts and restore the association’s reputation,” he urged.

In an exclusive conversation with TheNigeriaLawyer, an insider within the NBA has revealed shocking details about financial mismanagement and unresolved debts related to the association’s annual conference. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the NBA is currently grappling with debts exceeding ₦600 million, with ₦500 million still outstanding.

According to the insider, many financial decisions were made without due process, raising concerns about accountability and transparency. “I was never involved in the procurement process. Everything was handled by the previous NBA administration. When I asked questions, I was kept in the dark,” the source lamented, adding that the financial statement for the period is yet to be made available to them.

The insider further alleged that certain individuals attempted to siphon funds under the guise of conference expenses. “There were claims that the NBA had plenty of money, and people wanted to take their share. Unfortunately, we don’t have the funds. The revenue we generate should be saved and properly utilized,” they said.

The insider added that while vendors claim they have not been fully paid, the current administration is verifying all pending payments before disbursing funds. “Some vendors are invoicing us for five-day services, yet the event lasted only three days. How can we be so untruthful to ourselves?” the source questioned.

One of the most alarming revelations was the alleged lack of proper financial records. “No financial reports were published when we assumed office. We have been requesting details from our current NBA President, but he is still trying to obtain records from the former administration. So far, we have not received any substantial information,” the source said.

Despite these financial irregularities, the insider assured that measures are being taken to prevent further mismanagement. “This administration is committed to plugging loopholes and ensuring that our financial processes are properly checked before we leave office. NBA funds should not be wasted or stolen. We will not approve any payments without proper scrutiny.”

Also the insider revealed that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is currently operating on funds left in savings by former President Olumide Akpata. He further alleged that the current President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, has at times personally funded certain activities of the Bar to ensure that operations run smoothly and on time.

He also claimed that some vendors have refused to provide critical information needed by the Association. For instance, he recounted how the developer of the former NBA website withheld login details necessary for updates, demanding millions of naira before releasing the credentials. Additionally, he alleged that trailer tankers were documented as having supplied fuel for the NBA Conference, yet there was no evidence of actual fuel delivery to the Association.

“These are some of the challenges the current administration is facing,” he noted, adding that President Osigwe has made it clear that vendors will only be paid if there is verifiable proof that the right items were supplied at the agreed price.”

Efforts to speak with former NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, have been unsuccessful, as he has not responded to TheNigeriaLawyer’s inquiries. Sources suggest that he has a habit of not engaging with media queries. Meanwhile, current NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, stated that he would provide details once he has all the facts, emphasizing that he cannot speak on NBA’s financial situation without verified records.

Recall At the 2023 NBA Annual General Meeting (AGM), former NBA President Yakubu Maikyau SAN addressed concerns regarding financial accountability and extravagant expenditures within the association.

Maikyau denied inheriting any financial reserves upon assuming office and stated that he even used personal funds to support NBA activities, emphasizing his commitment to serving lawyers rather than indulging in lavish spending. He particularly criticized the exorbitant cost of sending officers to international conferences, revealing that he rejected funding requests for the International Bar Association (IBA) and Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) conferences due to their financial burden on the NBA.

Highlighting the financial struggles of rural practitioners, Maikyau pointed out that the annual Bar Practicing Fee remains the NBA’s primary source of revenue. He contrasted the estimated $16,869 cost for two officers to attend the IBA conference with how the same amount could cover insurance for 1,000 NBA members, reinforcing his stance against financial recklessness.

Maikyau’s address was a defensive response to allegations of financial mismanagement, as he sought to reassure members of his transparency and fiscal discipline. He maintained that his leadership was guided by integrity and that he refused to approve wasteful spending, prioritizing prudent management of NBA funds.

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