Distinguished Members of the Nigerian Bar Association,
At the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Federal High Court of Nigeria and Judges’ Conference, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association delivered a far-reaching and thought-provoking address, underscoring the Bar’s commitment to strengthening justice delivery, judicial efficiency, and public confidence in the courts.
Speaking on behalf of the NBA, the President described the ceremony as more than a tradition, but an annual reaffirmation of the judiciary’s solemn pact with the Nigerian people. He emphasised the pivotal role of the Federal High Court in Nigeria’s economic, regulatory, and constitutional framework, noting that its specialised jurisdiction places it at the very heart of national development, governance, and investor confidence.
While commending the courage, resilience, and constitutional fidelity of the Federal High Court and its judges, the NBA President raised serious concerns affecting litigants, lawyers, and the general public. Central among these was the growing frustration arising from unpredictable court sittings, repeated adjournments, and avoidable disruptions, which often result in wasted time, increased costs, and diminished public faith in the justice system.
The President stressed that justice delayed or rendered uncertain undermines the constitutional guarantee of fair hearing within a reasonable time. He called for structured case scheduling, disciplined adjournment practices, wider use of alternative dispute resolution, and the deployment of technology to support transparent and predictable court calendars, digital notifications, and real-time communication through court registries.
The address also highlighted the need to safeguard judicial independence, warning against any actual or perceived political capture of the courts.
The President expressed concern over the increasing tendency of political actors to inundate courts with intra-party disputes and political quarrels better resolved through internal party mechanisms, cautioning that such practices risk dragging the judiciary into partisan controversies and eroding its moral authority.
He further emphasised the urgent need for improved judicial infrastructure, modern courtrooms, secure facilities, and functional court headquarters, including the long-awaited Federal High Court building in Lagos, as indispensable to dignified and efficient justice delivery.
In conclusion, the NBA President reaffirmed the Association’s unwavering support for reforms that promote efficiency, integrity, and constitutional fidelity within the judiciary, urging collective recommitment by the Bench, the Bar, and all stakeholders to ensure that the courts remain the last and most reliable refuge of justice for Nigerians.
Distinguished members are kindly referred to the attached comprehensive speech of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association for the full text, detailed reflections, and policy recommendations articulated at the ceremony.
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