Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the enforcement of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme as provided under the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC), 2023 and the NBA MCPD Rules, 2025.
In a firm statement issued by the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association clarified that the implementation of the MCPD programme is mandatory and will neither be suspended nor scrapped. This reaffirms the NBA’s resolve to uphold the statutory and regulatory framework guiding the legal profession in Nigeria.
“The NBA is irrevocably committed to giving effect to the mandatory provisions of Rules 11 and 12 of the RPC 2023 as well as the NBA MCPD Rules, 2025. These provisions, which first appeared in the 2007 RPC, have not been strictly enforced over the years. That ends now,” the NBA President declared.
He emphasized that lawyers who fail to comply with the MCPD requirements would be deemed to have voluntarily chosen to suffer the consequences and statutory disabilities attached to non-compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The RPC, being a subsidiary legislation enacted by the General Council of the Bar pursuant to Section 12(4) of the Legal Practitioners Act, enjoys full legal force and derives its efficacy from the principal legislation. Citing relevant judicial authority, the statement recalled that courts have consistently held that subsidiary legislations are binding and enforceable, being a valid extension of legislative powers.
“The Rules were made for the maintenance of the highest standards of professional conduct, etiquette and discipline. It is therefore part of the NBA’s fundamental duties to monitor, enforce and ensure compliance,” the President stated.
The NBA also condemned attempts by some individuals to misinform the public and misrepresent the true intention of the MCPD policy through social media and legal threats. According to the NBA, such distractions will not deter it from executing its regulatory responsibilities.
Furthermore, the statement reinforced that Rule 1 of the RPC remains a foundational pillar for legal practitioners, reminding lawyers to uphold the rule of law, maintain high professional standards, and refrain from conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
“We must not consciously misstate the facts, knowingly conceal the truth, or unjustly allege fraud without evidence. Our profession demands allegiance to a higher cause—the cause of justice,” the statement added.
To make compliance seamless and accessible, the NBA encouraged lawyers to utilize free and affordable training opportunities offered through the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), NBA branches, and other accredited CPD providers. While participation in MCPD is mandatory, the NBA clarified that lawyers are not restricted to any specific provider.
“No lawyer will be compelled to attend any particular training. Lawyers have the liberty to meet their yearly CPD credit hours by attending any approved free or paid trainings,” the President concluded.
The NBA urges all legal practitioners to embrace this initiative not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a professional responsibility aimed at deepening legal knowledge and raising the standards of legal practice in Nigeria.
Signed:
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
