The Nigerian Bar Association prepares to hold its 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, concerns are being raised over the preparedness of the state to receive the thousands of lawyers and other visitors expected for the week-long gathering.
The 2026 NBA Annual General Conference is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt from August 21 to 28, bringing the association’s flagship annual event back to Rivers State after the 2025 edition was relocated.
Port Harcourt was originally selected to host the 2025 conference, but the NBA subsequently moved the event to Enugu following the political crisis in Rivers State, the declaration of a state of emergency and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
The association had resolved at its National Executive Council meeting to relocate the conference, citing what it considered a breach of constitutional order arising from the suspension of the democratically elected government in the state.
In fulfilment of its commitment to return the conference to Rivers State, the NBA subsequently selected Port Harcourt to host the 2026 edition.
With the conference expected to attract more than 20,000 lawyers, guests and other participants, attention is now turning to what Rivers State has to showcase to visitors arriving from different parts of Nigeria and abroad.
In a commentary ahead of the conference, concerns were raised about whether Port Harcourt is sufficiently prepared to project its longstanding identity as Nigeria’s “Garden City” and showcase the hospitality, culture, cuisine, infrastructure and civic values for which Rivers State has historically been known.
The conference was described as an opportunity for Rivers State to demonstrate its hospitality and cultural heritage while also projecting respect for the rule of law, good governance, constitutional order and peaceful coexistence.
The commentary, however, argued that years of political conflict, disruption of democratic governance and deterioration of public infrastructure had left serious questions about the state’s readiness for an event of such magnitude.
Particular concern was expressed over traffic management in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas.
According to the writer, traffic regulations are frequently disregarded by motorists and other road users, while enforcement remains inadequate.
The commentary further alleged that some police officers concentrate on collecting money from commercial drivers and motorists rather than enforcing traffic laws, claiming that indiscriminate police checkpoints and roadblocks have contributed to congestion and damaged public confidence.
It argued that visitors unfamiliar with the city should be assisted when they miss their routes rather than subjected to intimidation or demands for money.
Environmental conditions across major entry routes into Port Harcourt were also identified as a source of concern.
Travellers entering the city through the Oyigbo corridor, according to the commentary, are confronted by refuse, unpleasant odours, broken-down vehicles and heavy-duty trucks parked along portions of the road.
The axis was described as increasingly resembling a workshop and parking area for tankers, trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles, raising questions about the impression first-time visitors would receive when entering the state.
Similar concerns were raised over the approach to Port Harcourt from the Ogoni axis beginning around Onne Junction.
The commentary said the environment along that corridor had deteriorated considerably and offered little of the appearance traditionally associated with Port Harcourt as the Garden City.
The Omerelu-Elele-Igwuruta corridor was also cited as requiring attention ahead of the conference.
Waste management was identified as another major challenge.
The commentary lamented that Port Harcourt, once celebrated for its greenery and cleanliness, was increasingly being overwhelmed by refuse, with waste frequently dumped on road medians and other inappropriate locations.
It criticised the performance of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency and the State Ministry of Environment, arguing that environmental laws and regulations were not being effectively enforced.
Residents were also urged to take responsibility for maintaining their surroundings rather than dumping refuse on roads and medians.
The writer contrasted the present condition of Port Harcourt with improvements reportedly recorded in cities such as Aba, questioning how the Garden City had allowed environmental conditions to deteriorate.
The state of several roads and adjoining streets was equally highlighted.
Among the locations identified as requiring urgent attention are the stretch from Oyigbo towards the Artillery Flyover and Okporo Road connecting the East-West Road.
Parts of Iwofe Road were also said to have deteriorated, contributing to traffic congestion.
Old Aba Road, particularly from Woji Junction towards Rumukwurushi Roundabout, was identified as another corridor requiring intervention, while the road leading to Abonnema Wharf was described as being in extremely poor condition.
The commentary also raised concern over the activities of scavengers and metal thieves, alleging that manhole covers, bridge railings and metal road demarcations had been vandalised or stolen in different locations without adequate intervention by the authorities.
Another issue identified as requiring urgent attention is the delay in the passage of the Rivers State Appropriation Bill currently before the State House of Assembly.
The writer argued that, given that Rivers State’s hosting of the NBA conference has long been known, greater urgency should have been demonstrated in passing the budget to enable the government to undertake necessary preparations and interventions before the arrival of visitors.
The commentary consequently called on the Rivers State Government to mobilise relevant ministries, agencies, institutions and residents towards ensuring that Port Harcourt is adequately prepared for the conference.
Security agencies were urged to make sufficient arrangements to protect delegates and other visitors throughout the period.
The writer stressed that courtesy, professionalism, civility and assistance should define interactions between security personnel, public officials, residents and visitors.
The Ministry of Environment and the Rivers State Waste Management Agency were similarly urged to intensify refuse evacuation and environmental sanitation before and during the conference.
Residents were called upon to stop dumping waste on road medians and other public spaces, with the argument that the condition of the city during the conference would shape visitors’ perception of Rivers State.
Traffic management was also identified as a priority because of the anticipated increase in vehicular movement during the week-long event.
The writer warned that the volume of traffic during the NBA AGC would be considerably higher than normal and called for proper planning, enforcement and coordination to prevent severe congestion.
Rivers residents were urged to see the conference as an opportunity to demonstrate that the state remains home to a civilised, hospitable and enlightened population despite the challenges of recent years.
Quoting the proposition that the prosperity of a nation is ultimately rooted not merely in its revenue, military strength or public buildings but in the character and enlightenment of its people, the commentary urged Rivers people to take collective responsibility for restoring the image of the state.
It concluded with the words attributed to the late American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson: “You may not be responsible for your being knocked down, but you are responsible for getting back up.”
The message to Rivers State ahead of the August conference is therefore clear: the return of the NBA AGC offers Port Harcourt an opportunity not merely to host thousands of lawyers, but to restore confidence in its image as the Garden City and demonstrate that it remains capable of receiving visitors with order, cleanliness, security and hospitality.
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