The attention of the Annual General Conference (AGC) Planning Committee has been drawn to a statement credited to the Administrator of Rivers State, suggesting that the Rivers State Government paid for hosting rights for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2025 Annual General Conference.
For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to clarify that the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was reached in August 2024. This decision was not subject to any bidding process, nor was it tied to the payment of hosting rights. The NBA does not sell hosting rights, and no representation has ever been made that the Conference must be held in a particular city as a result of payment or any such arrangement.
Traditionally, due to the enormous financial outlay required to host the AGC, the NBA Conference Planning Committee reaches out to organizations, corporate entities, government agencies, and state governments for support. This support is sought unconditionally and is never linked to hosting rights or any form of exclusive arrangement.
Over the years, NBA Annual Conferences have benefited from the generosity of state governments, corporate organizations, ministries, departments, and agencies — all of which align with the NBA’s objectives and often provide support as part of their corporate social responsibility commitments. These supports come in the form of gifts, partnerships, or sponsorships.
The financial contribution from the Rivers State Government falls squarely into this category — a generous gift to support the hosting of the 2025 Conference — and was not, in any way, a payment for hosting rights.
The AGC Planning Committee remains committed to delivering a world-class conference for all members of the Bar and will not be drawn into any unnecessary controversy regarding this matter.
Emeka Obegolu, SAN
Chairman, 2025 NBA AGC Planning Committee
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