Enugu, the Coal City, has become the epicenter of Africa’s legal and democratic conversation as Governor Peter Mbah opened the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, pledging to deepen sweeping reforms that position justice at the core of his administration’s transformation vision.
The week-long conference, one of the largest gatherings of lawyers on the continent, began on Sunday evening at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, with a convergence of senior advocates, jurists, policymakers, and international thought leaders.
In his opening remarks, Governor Mbah described the law as “the conscience of the nation,” reminding delegates that lawyers were not merely professionals but custodians of truth and equity.
“As lawyers and leaders, we are not only courtroom advocates, but also defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity,” the Governor said, receiving wide applause from the packed auditorium.
Sultan of Sokoto Chairs Opening Session
The opening ceremony was chaired by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, whose presence underscored the national importance of the conference. The Sultan urged the legal profession to stand firm as the moral compass of the nation and commended the NBA for choosing Enugu, a city he described as “a hub of culture, peace, and hospitality.”
Julius Malema’s Keynote: “Africa’s Future Lies in Lagos and Johannesburg”
One of the highlights of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Julius Malema, President of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The charismatic parliamentarian captivated the audience with his bold vision of Africa’s future.
“The future of Africa lies in cities like Lagos and Johannesburg,” Malema declared, stressing that Africa’s urban centers will drive the continent’s economic resurgence if anchored on justice, strong institutions, and inclusive governance.
He called for deeper collaboration between African nations in law, trade, and governance, warning that without justice and accountability, Africa’s demographic advantage could easily become a burden.
His remarks struck a chord with Governor Mbah’s reform agenda, linking Enugu’s local innovations with continental aspirations.
Mbah’s Justice Sector Reforms: Digitization, Access, and Equity
Governor Mbah used the platform to outline the scope of reforms already underway in Enugu’s justice sector since his assumption of office. He explained that his administration had fully implemented financial autonomy for the judiciary, a step he said was crucial for strengthening judicial independence and restoring public confidence in the system.
He further pointed to the digitization of the courts, with the introduction of e-filing, virtual hearings, and real-time transcription. According to him, this innovation has effectively ended the era of delays caused by longhand recording and placed Enugu among the most technologically advanced judicial systems in the country.
To promote quicker resolution of disputes, the Governor announced the expansion of the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse, which provides alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration. He added that the state had also broadened access to pro bono legal services to ensure that indigent citizens and detainees are not denied justice due to lack of financial resources.
Equally significant, Mbah noted, was a sweeping review of obsolete state laws to bring them in line with modern realities. The review, he said, has advanced gender justice and improved the ease of doing business in Enugu, aligning with his broader vision of making the state a preferred destination for investment, innovation, and inclusive development.
NBA Conference in Context
The Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (AGC) is the largest gathering of lawyers in Africa, often compared to the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in its influence and scope. It serves as a platform for critical national conversations around the rule of law, governance, and economic development.
This year’s choice of Enugu as host city is widely seen as recognition of the state’s growing profile as a reform-driven, investment-friendly hub. The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, had earlier commended Governor Mbah for “demonstrating that law can be an engine for development when backed with political will.”
Enugu’s Rising Profile
Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor Esq., Governor of Enugu State
Hosting the 2025 NBA Conference places Enugu on the global legal map. Analysts note that beyond its cultural and historic appeal, the city has in recent years invested heavily in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to reposition itself as an emerging economic hub.
Legal experts argue that Enugu’s digitized court processes and commitment to financial autonomy for the judiciary could serve as a model for other Nigerian states, particularly in a nation where delays and inefficiencies in the justice system remain a recurring challenge.
“Governor Mbah has shown that with vision, even subnational governments can set new standards in justice delivery,” said Professor Ifeoma Nwafor, a constitutional law scholar in attendance. “Enugu’s reforms could well become the template for national adoption.”
Global Perspectives and African Solidarity
The presence of Julius Malema brought a Pan-African dimension to the proceedings. Delegates noted that his call for stronger African cities resonates with Nigeria’s ongoing urban renewal projects and continental trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Governor Mbah, in his response, emphasized that Enugu was aligning with this vision by creating an enabling environment where justice, investment, and innovation converge.
“Enugu is rising, and justice is at the heart of our journey,” the Governor declared, urging lawyers to see themselves as “builders of nations, not just interpreters of statutes.”
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NBA Conference is expected to feature panel discussions on human rights, gender justice, artificial intelligence in law practice, and business law in Africa’s emerging markets. It will also host breakout sessions on alternative dispute resolution, digital transformation, and strengthening democratic institutions.
With thousands of legal practitioners in attendance, including international guests, the Enugu conference is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious and globally resonant NBA gatherings in recent history.
Conclusion
As the conference unfolds, Enugu’s hosting is more than symbolic – it signals a state charting a new path where justice reforms fuel broader economic and social transformation. With the Sultan of Sokoto’s moral authority, Julius Malema’s Pan-African firebrand voice, and Governor Mbah’s reformist agenda, the NBA 2025 Conference is set to leave a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s democratic and developmental trajectory. GMTNewsng
