The newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to build a stronger and more inclusive legal profession, promising reforms aimed at improving the welfare, professional development and working conditions of lawyers across the country.
Speaking after assuming office, Badejo-Okusanya said her administration would focus on creating an association where lawyers can earn a decent livelihood, enjoy improved professional opportunities and practise law in an environment that supports excellence and integrity.
She described her election as both a privilege and a responsibility, pledging to lead an NBA that is responsive to the needs of its members while upholding the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.
“We will build an NBA where lawyers can earn, live and practise better,” she said, outlining her vision for the association over the course of her tenure.
According to the new NBA president, improving lawyers’ welfare will remain a central priority, particularly for young practitioners who often face challenges relating to remuneration, career advancement and access to professional opportunities.
She said her administration would work closely with relevant stakeholders to promote policies that enhance the economic well-being of legal practitioners while strengthening ethical standards and professionalism within the Bar.
Badejo-Okusanya also pledged to invest in continuous legal education and capacity-building programmes to equip lawyers with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic legal and business environment.
She noted that rapid developments in technology, arbitration, commercial law and cross-border legal practice require lawyers to continually update their knowledge to remain globally competitive.
The NBA president further promised to strengthen support for branches across the country by improving engagement with members and ensuring that the association remains accessible, transparent and accountable.
She emphasised the importance of unity within the legal profession, calling on members to work together in advancing justice, protecting human rights and defending the rule of law.
Beyond members’ welfare, Badejo-Okusanya reaffirmed the association’s commitment to its broader constitutional role of promoting justice, safeguarding judicial independence and contributing constructively to national development.
She said the NBA would continue to engage governments, institutions and civil society on issues affecting democracy, constitutional governance and access to justice.
Legal practitioners and stakeholders have welcomed her emergence as NBA president, expressing optimism that her administration will address longstanding concerns relating to lawyers’ welfare, mentorship, legal practice standards and institutional reforms.
Observers also noted that expectations are high for the new leadership to modernise the association, strengthen public confidence in the legal profession and expand opportunities for lawyers across various areas of practice.
As she begins her tenure, Badejo-Okusanya said the success of her administration would depend on collective participation from members, urging lawyers nationwide to support efforts aimed at building a stronger, more resilient and forward-looking Nigerian Bar Association.
Her agenda, she said, is centred on ensuring that every lawyer—regardless of age, experience or location—has the opportunity to build a rewarding career while contributing meaningfully to the administration of justice and the development of Nigeria’s legal system.
