The NBA Conference in Enugu this past weekend turned into a showcase for Governor Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State as senior legal minds lauded what they called a "transformative" two‑year record. Over 20,000 lawyers converged on Enugu from August 23 to 25, 2025 for the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference, a gathering billed as the biggest in the association’s history.
Context: The NBA’s ‘Standing Tall’ Theme
Organised under the stewardship of Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, SAN, the event adopted the motto “Standing Tall.” Osigwe opened the plenary with a stirring reminder of Enugu’s own historic fight for justice – the 1949 Iva Valley Coal Miners’ shooting – and urged the profession to embody integrity, courage and sacrifice.
Key Highlights from Governor Mbah’s Address
When Governor Mbah took the stage, he laid out three headline figures that dominated the chatter for the rest of the weekend:
- A reported 80% drop in violent crime across Enugu State since he assumed office in May 2023.
- Infrastructure spending that surged from ₦150 billion in 2023 to ₦750 billion in 2025, according to the state’s Ministry of Works.
- Economic output expanding from roughly $4.4 billion to $30 billion, a near‑seven‑fold jump in nominal GDP.
“Our people deserve to feel safe, to travel on roads that don’t crumble, and to see their children graduate without tuition worries,” Mbah told the assembly. He capped the speech by pledging a new “Justice Hub” in Enugu city, slated for a 2026 launch, to offer free legal aid and mediation services.
Legal Community’s Reaction
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome, SAN stole the limelight when he performed a soulful rendition of Fela Kuti’s “Beast of No Nation,” illustrating the blend of cultural expression and advocacy. Afterwards, he remarked, “When the law sings, the nation listens.”
Many practising lawyers echoed the governor’s statistics but cautioned that sustainability would hinge on transparent procurement and continued community policing. Chief Justice of Enugu State, Justice Chinyere Okeke (mentioned without microdata) warned, “Numbers are impressive, but the real test is whether ordinary citizens feel the change on the ground.”
Opposition and Expert Perspectives
Not everyone was wholly convinced. Opposition leader Hon. Chinedu Nwosu, of the People’s Democratic Party, questioned the methodology behind the crime‑reduction claim, noting that police reports from 2024 still listed 2,300 unsolved homicides. He called for an independent audit.
Security analyst Dr. Aisha Bello of the University of Lagos offered a more measured view: “A drop of 80% suggests effective policy – likely a mix of community policing, better street lighting, and youth employment programmes. Replicating this across Nigeria will require federal support and fiscal capacity.”
Broader Impact on Nigeria’s Legal Profession
Osigwe used the platform to argue that the legal profession could act as a catalyst for the kind of development Mbah showcased. “When lawyers stand tall, they push governments to be accountable,” he said, drawing a line from courtroom advocacy to statewide policy outcomes.
The conference also featured breakout sessions on digital courtrooms, anti‑corruption litigation, and the role of traditional dispute‑resolution mechanisms. Delegates left with a consensus that the legal community must evolve beyond litigation – to become proactive architects of public policy.
What’s Next for the NBA and Enugu State?
The next NBA national summit is slated for December 2025 in Lagos, where the “Justice Hub” model will be presented to other state governors. Meanwhile, Governor Mbah announced a partnership with the World Bank to fund a $45 million renewable‑energy micro‑grid in Enugu’s rural districts, slated for completion in early 2027.
For the legal fraternity, the immediate to‑do list includes drafting a "Legal Framework for State‑Level Development Projects" that would codify transparency standards, with a draft expected by February 2026.
Historical Deep‑Dive: From Iva Valley to Today
The Iva Valley Coal Miners’ shooting on November 18, 1949, remains a touchstone for Enugu’s identity. Colonial troops opened fire on unarmed workers demanding safer conditions, killing dozens. That tragedy ignited a pan‑Nigerian solidarity movement and later fed into the larger anti‑colonial struggle. Osigwe reminded attendees that the same spirit of defiance fuels today’s fight against corruption and injustice.
Since the NBA’s founding in 1933, its annual conferences have grown from modest gatherings in Lagos to the sprawling, multi‑day events seen today. The 2025 edition, hosted by Nigerian Bar Association, set a new benchmark for attendance and media coverage, a testament to the legal profession’s rising public profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Governor Mbah’s crime‑reduction claim affect ordinary Enugu residents?
The reported 80% drop translates to fewer nighttime robberies and quicker police response times, meaning families can feel safer walking home after dark. Local markets have reported a 30% increase in foot traffic, which officials attribute to the improved sense of security.
What are the main criticisms of the economic growth figures presented at the conference?
Critics argue the $4.4 billion to $30 billion jump may overstate real growth because it reflects nominal GDP without adjusting for inflation. They also point out that much of the increase comes from large‑scale infrastructure contracts, which could inflate short‑term numbers without guaranteeing broad‑based employment.
Why is the Iva Valley shooting relevant to today’s legal discussions?
The 1949 tragedy symbolizes how collective action can confront oppressive systems. Lawyers at the conference used it as a metaphor for the current push against governmental corruption and for safeguarding workers' rights, linking historic sacrifice to modern legal advocacy.
What steps is the NBA planning to take after the conference?
The NBA will convene a task force to draft a national "Legal Framework for Development Projects," aiming to embed anti‑corruption clauses and public‑consultation mechanisms. This draft is expected by early 2026 and will be debated at the December Lagos summit.
How might other Nigerian states replicate Enugu’s ‘Justice Hub’ model?
If the pilot in Enugu proves successful, the federal Ministry of Justice plans to allocate grant funding to states that adopt similar free‑legal‑aid centers. The model emphasizes inter‑agency collaboration, leveraging existing court infrastructure and local NGOs to deliver services at reduced cost.
1 Comments
Javier cox
October 6, 2025 AT 02:14 AMSuch a thurghout showcase, definitely a win for Enugu.