The NBA is made up of 88 branches, spread across the 36 states of Nigeria. It consist of 14 National Officers who are appointed every 2 years and 1 National Secretariat. With a membership base of about 55,000, it is reputed to be the largest professional association in Africa. In Nigeria, the NBA remains the top professional association. It has members in every sphere of endeavour in the country and this gives it a credible platform to be a change agent, an ideal it has been committed to since inception. The affairs of the association is managed by the National Executive Committee(NEC) which is made up of National Officers and representatives of all branches
The NBA was officially recognized by law in 1933. It has continued to act as the conscience of the nation especially as it relates to the promotion of democracy, respect for Rule of law and social/economic empowerment. It was in the vanguard for the fight for Democracy and presently is committed to Democracy consolidation and the entrenchment of the Rule of law. It uses its enormous human resources to constantly appraise and engage government policies and programmes. It has a highly respected voice in the country. The NBA holds annual general conferences and it publishes various journals and newsletters reporting the work of its sections and committees.
The NBA is Juristic personality and Juridical entity. It is a creation of statutes; the Legal Practitioners Act(amendment in progress), and is recognized by numerous legislations. It is also registered as incorporated trustees with eminent lawyers as trustees. It has domestic, representational and quasi-regulatory functions relating only to the legal profession.
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION
To be in the vanguard for the promotion and defence of the rule of law, good governance, social justice and the dignity of all persons.
VISIONTo rank among the foremost Bar Associations in the world.
MISSIONTo use the law as an instrument for social change.
MOTTOPromoting the Rules of law.
CORE VALUES
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Courage
- professionalism
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- Maintenance and defence of the integrity and independence of the Bar and the Judiciary in Nigeria.
- Promotion and advancement of Legal Education, Continuing Legal Education, Advocacy and Jurisprudence.
- Improvement of the system of administration of justice, its procedure and the arrangement of court business and regular law reporting.
- Establishment, maintenance and efficient operation of a system of prompt and efficient legal aid and assistance for those in need but who are unable to pay for same.
- Promotion and support of law reform.
- Maintenance of the highest standards of professional conduct, etiquette and discipline.
- Promotion of good relations among the members of the Association and between them and lawyers of other countries.
- Promotion of co-operation between the Association and other National or International Law Organizations and such other bodies as may be approved by the National Executive Committee.
- Encouragement and protection of the right of access to courts at reasonably affordable fees and of representation by counsel before courts and tribunals.
- Encouragement of the establishment of a National Law Library.
- Promotion and protection of the principles of the rule of law and respect for enforcement of fundamental rights, human rights and people’s rights.
- Creation of schemes for the encouragement of newly qualified members and assistance to aged or incapacitated members of the Association.
- Establishment of schemes for the promotion of the welfare, security and economic advancement of members of the legal profession.
- Creation and maintenance of an Endowment Fund for the proper observance and discharge of any of these aims and objects.
