By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice is set to launch a first-of-its-kind national digital lawyers’ directory aimed at improving access, visibility, and structure within Nigeria’s legal profession.
The initiative, announced on Thursday, 26 March, 2026 in Victoria Island, Lagos during a pre-conference press briefing by Section Chairman Folashade Alli (SAN), has already attracted over 2,600 registered lawyers and is designed to provide a verified, centralised database of legal practitioners nationwide, enabling individuals and organisations to easily identify and engage lawyers based on their areas of expertise.
“Visibility is key. We are creating a platform where individuals and organisations can easily identify and contact lawyers based on their areas of expertise,” Alli said.
She described the directory as a legacy project intended to strengthen the structure of legal practice in Nigeria while enhancing professional connectivity across the country.
Alli explained that the forthcoming conference, themed “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspective,” is structured to go beyond routine engagements by delivering practical solutions to challenges facing the profession.
“This is not just about networking; it is about learning, improving, and adapting to a globalised legal environment shaped by innovation and technology,” she said.
She emphasised the focus on early-career practitioners, noting that they remain central to the profession’s future.
“Young lawyers are the future of the legal profession, and we must equip them with the tools they need to thrive,” she added.
To reinforce this objective, the conference will commence with a specialised training session for 100 young lawyers on emerging trends and global developments. While physicala attendance has reached capacity, virtual participation remains open.
According to Alli, about 2,000 lawyers are expected at the event, which will feature plenary sessions, fireside chats, and technical discussions. Beyond technical engagements, participants will also attend networking and social activities, including a gala dinner at the Federal Palace Hotel themed “Vogue Inspired.”
She further noted that the conference aims to reshape perceptions of legal practice in Nigeria by expanding its scope beyond litigation to include advisory roles, ethics, and emerging sectors.
“Legal practice is not limited to the courtroom. We are building a profession that is innovative, ethical, and globally competitive,” she said.
The programme will feature seven plenary sessions and two chat sessions covering ethics, arbitration, taxation, and the impact of technology, with speakers drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Kingdom. Participants will also earn Continuing Professional Development points.
Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairman Kelechi Obi (SAN) said the sessions are designed to deliver practical outcomes.
“We have gone beyond the stage of mere talk. The sessions are practical and designed to impact how lawyers operate in real life,” he said, adding that discussions will address taxation, ethics, arbitration, financial regulations, and challenges such as garnishee proceedings.
He disclosed that former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) will lead discussions on judicial independence, while the keynote address will be delivered by Olufemi Elias of the International Court of Justice.
Obi explained that the choice of the National Arts Theatre, now known as the Wole Soyinka Theatre, reflects the shared symbolism between law and the arts.
“The National Theatre is an icon of excellence. The law also represents excellence, and we want that shared identity to reflect in this conference,” he said.
Vice-Chairman Tonye Krukrubo (SAN) noted that the presence of key officials, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is expected to help translate discussions into actionable reforms.
“The expectation is that ideas generated here will influence governance and institutional practice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Conference Planning Committee Chairman Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) assured participants of adequate security, noting that the venue is a gated complex with additional support from law enforcement agencies, alongside traffic management plans for ease of access.
Also speaking, Charles Adeyemo said the conference will explore emerging areas such as public international law, arbitration, taxation, and the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on legal practice, reinforcing its focus on equipping practitioners for a rapidly evolving global legal landscape.
