•Seeks greater investment in military • Calls on govts to refocus effort on infrastructure development •Wants upward review of judicial remuneration
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged its resolve to remain unwavering in the pursuit of justice and effective governance in Nigeria. The body said as the voice of the people, the legal community holds the responsibility of ensuring equitable treatment for all, irrespective of their status, adding that upholding the principle of equality before the law is paramount.
This was the position of the NBA as contained in its communique signed by the President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, following the conclusion of their 2023 yearly general conference themed, “Getting it Right; Charting the Course for the Nigeria’s Nation Building” held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from the 25th of August 25 to September 1, 2023.
“The NBA’s influence should extend beyond the courtroom. It must actively contribute to economic growth and stability by advocating policy adherence to the rule of law in policymaking and implementation. To bolster the economy, the legal community should focus on nurturing the judiciary and key regulatory bodies.
“The Conference emphasises that the outcomes and recommendations from this gathering should be earnestly embraced and executed. The profession’s commitment to justice must remain unswerving. By doing so, the Nigerian legal sector will stand out globally, acknowledged for its exceptional administration of justice and adherence to legal principles,” it resolved.
It added that its recommendations reflect the collective commitment to strengthening legal institutions and promoting justice, human rights, and professional integrity with the ultimate goal of getting it right. The Association also resolved that sustained broad based economic growth and poverty reduction are critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
It called on the Federal and State Governments to refocus efforts on infrastructure development, improve power generation, improve agricultural productivity, and expand jobs in rural areas.
“There should also be greater attention on youth employment through education and entrepreneurship skills training. Conference issued a cautionary message, highlighting the diminishing relevance of Nigeria’s current natural resources in the face of the imperative shift towards renewable energy solutions driven by climate change concerns.
“It stressed the urgency of embracing the new economic realities of the 21st century that will overshadow the significance of present natural resources.
Also, beneficial policies for the revitalisation of the Nigerian economy must be formulated and implemented for the sake of not just the current generation but for future generations as well.
“Some of these policies may have consequences that are not immediately comfortable but will be beneficial for the overall economy and in the long term. Citizens are therefore encouraged to be patient in the renewed hope for the development and growth of the economy of this great nation,” it stated.
On the administration of justice, the NBA held that achieving the desired justice system will be a process, not an event. Nevertheless, change, it said, must be accelerated to keep up with the expectations of Nigerians, particularly those of the poorest and most vulnerable communities, adding that such change must be properly planned and carefully managed.
It said: “The importance of a strong, independent judiciary was emphasised. Conference affirmed the need for an urgent upward review of judicial remuneration, recommending the separation of Judicial Remuneration from the public sector, including the removal of the remuneration of judicial officers from the purview of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
“Conference also recommended an independent salary scale for judicial officers, saying that urgent attention be paid to the plight of magistrates and other lower court judges.”
The Bar pleaded with the Federal and State governments to extend financial support to pro bono schemes in Nigeria to bolster their effectiveness , urging collaborative efforts between the NBA and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the provision of pro bono services and narrow the gap in access to justice.
Apart from recommending more funding, training and equipment for the military to curtail insecurity, the NBA decried the poor funding of statutory bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission, Legal
Aid Council and the Council of Legal Education, and called for continuous engagements between the NBA and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to facilitate proper funding of statutory bodies for effectiveness and performance.