ABIYE TAM-GEORGE – Leveraging Experience, Expertise & Vision in Leadership 

A former Vice-Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), during which period she doubled as Chairman of its Human Rights Committee, Mrs. Abiye Tam-George holds undergraduate and advanced degrees and certifications in Law and Business Studies from reputable academic institutions in Nigeria.

Her vast experience and diverse skill-set encompasses fields of expertise as disparate as leadership, technology, operations management, marketing, finance, intrapreneurship and innovation, cybersecurity, and data science. She has also gained a reputation as a rights activist, a writer and a life-coach.

In the run-up to this year’s NBA Lagos Branch elections, in which members will decide the composition of the executive that will run the Branch’s affairs for the next two years, Mrs. Tam-George – who is running to be Chairman of the Branch – engaged the editors of NEWSWIRE Law Events magazine on her motivations for seeking the top job, and what she has set out to achieve if she gets the nod.

Excerpts:

NEWSWIRE: Give us a brief overview of your background, early education and why you decided to become a lawyer?

TAM-GEORGE: My early years were shaped by the strength and resilience of my dear late mother, Dorcas Dadukoye Tobiah, who raised me as a single parent. I later came to understand that my father had passed away when I was barely two years old. With the support of my late father’s family, I pursued my education, completing my primary and secondary schooling, followed by a Diploma in Law, IJMB, and university studies in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Q: Why Law?

A: Growing up, I realized that I was naturally inclined to speak out against injustice whenever I witnessed unfair treatment toward others. My inquisitive nature often led me to offer solutions—sometimes even unsolicited. During my secondary school days, I earned the nickname “Pocket Lawyer” due to my habit of questioning issues and proposing solutions. Pursuing a career in law felt like a natural calling, one that brings me immense satisfaction.

Q: Why do you want to be the next Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch? What sets you apart from your rivals in this race? What attributes, experience, expertise, etc are you bringing to the table?

A: I have an extensive history of service within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), particularly the Lagos Branch, where I have demonstrated unwavering commitment to advocating for and upholding the mission and values of the NBA. Over the years, I have served as Vice-Chair of the Branch, Chair of the Human Rights Committee, Chair of the Welfare Committee, and a member of several other committees. My track record is distinguished by innovative and impactful initiatives implemented in collaboration with my team during my tenure. At this pivotal moment, the Lagos Branch requires experienced, knowledgeable, and community-driven leadership to propel it forward. Leading a mega-branch like Lagos goes beyond merely organizing programmes; it demands vision, dedication, and a deep understanding of the profession’s evolving needs. My goal is to leverage my extensive experience and active involvement to transform the branch into a beacon of hope, reflecting a professional association that is both effective and efficient.

What sets me apart?

Leadership requires time for preparation, dedication to volunteerism, commitment to service, and the opportunity to lead before aspiring to higher responsibilities. I firmly believe that I possess the necessary leadership experience, having served in various roles and demonstrated the capacity to take on the significant risks responsibility of Chairman of the Lagos Branch.

In addition to my extensive NBA leadership experience, I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence. My expertise spans Leadership and Organizational Development, Technology and Operations Management, Marketing Strategy, Financial Decision-Making, Intrapreneurship and Innovation, Organizational Strategy, Cybersecurity Leadership, and Data Science for Decision-Making. With this diverse skill set, I am well-equipped to generate innovative and informed ideas that will drive meaningful transformation within the Lagos Branch.

I consider myself a visionary leader with excellent communication skills. My leadership is defined by transparency, honesty, and a commitment to leading by example to earn trust. I prioritize emotional intelligence, empathy, and open dialogue, fostering an environment where feedback is valued and relationships are built on mutual respect. I believe in empowering others to take on responsibilities and celebrating collective successes, ensuring sustainable growth and progress.

As Chair of the Human Rights Committee, I had the privilege of engaging in dialogue and training various stakeholders and demographics on asserting their rights, upholding the rule of law, and fostering respectful co-existence. Through this role, I gained deep insight into the daily challenges faced by both colleagues and citizens. One of the most impactful initiatives during my tenure was the prison audit exercise, which provided a first-hand exposure to the systemic injustices and the glaring lack of responsible leadership within the justice system. This experience reinforced my belief that if we can fix the justice system, we can achieve progress on all fronts.

Q: As you have mentioned, you were the Vice-Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee from 2021 to 2023. What lessons and competencies from that role are you going to apply to your duties as Lagos Bar Chairman – in the event that you’re elected?

A: My philosophy in life is to embrace lifelong learning. To achieve a lasting and meaningful impact, it is essential to equip team members and colleagues with the necessary knowledge and skills. For the NBA Lagos Branch to thrive, we must thoroughly evaluate its vision, mission, objectives, values, and member welfare. This process will involve open dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve conflicts, clarify mis-communications, and eliminate misunderstanding about the workings of the NBA and the Lagos Branch. Through targeted training and continuous learning, we can build a more effective, cohesive, and forward-thinking Association. A well-defined and sustainable structure is essential for prioritizing the welfare of NBA Lagos Branch members. To enhance efficiency and effectiveness, clear directives and deliverables will be established, ensuring that all initiatives align with the needs of our members. Additionally, a structured monthly feedback and evaluation system will be implemented to assess progress, address concerns, and continuously improve service delivery. This approach will foster transparency, accountability, and a more responsive Association. I firmly believe in and actively apply the principles of responsible leadership. Over the years, I have authored several impactful quotes on this subject, inspired by my experiences, insights, and acquired knowledge. Responsible leadership requires the ability to see beyond the present—identifying both visible and hidden challenges, engaging meaningfully with stakeholders, and taking informed steps to address issues while building on existing successes. My leadership approach is rooted in foresight, strategic action, and a commitment to continuous progress.

I believe in complementary leadership—recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each team member to effectively share responsibilities and maximize performance. An inclusive decision-making process ensures that all voices are heard, fostering collaboration and a sense of ownership among members. Equally important is the celebration of every success, not just those of the Chairperson. A thriving association is built on collective effort, and acknowledging individual and team achievements strengthens morale, motivation, and long-term commitment to our shared goals. I am committed to tackling challenges at their core rather than merely addressing surface-level symptoms. By applying a root cause analysis approach, we can develop lasting and effective solutions. I believe in interrogating issues with a jurisprudential mindset, analyzing them critically and systematically to uncover their underlying causes. To achieve viable and sustainable outcomes, I will collaborate with a team of experts, ensuring that our solutions are well-informed, strategic, and impactful.

Q: What will be your major priorities as NBA Lagos Branch Chairman – in the short, medium and long term?

A: Here are my priorities:

a) Short-Term (0-6 Months)

– Completion and Effective Use of the Bar Center – Prioritize the completion and full optimization of the Bar Center as a hub for professional engagement, capacity building, and member activities.

– Establish Responsible Leadership and Teamwork – Build a cohesive executive team with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and scheduled expectations to ensure accountability and efficiency.

– Engage Stakeholders – Foster strong and dependable relationships with members, government agencies, corporate partners, and the broader community to enhance collaboration and influence.

– Enhance Operational Efficiency – Assess existing structures, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategic leadership solutions to improve the branch’s overall effectiveness.

– Strengthen Financial Management – Conduct a thorough review of the branch’s financial health, ensure transparency in financial operations, and explore immediate funding opportunities to support growth and sustainability.

– Improve Communication and Member Welfare – Enhance communication channels to keep members well-informed and engaged while executing impactful welfare programs, capacity-building initiatives, and legal transformation projects.

b) Medium-Term (6-12 Months)

– Comprehensive Welfare Schemes for Lawyers – Rebrand and strengthen the Premier Bar Lagos Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society (PB-CMS) to provide enhanced financial support and welfare benefits for members.

– Physical and Virtual Consulting Platforms – Establish dedicated platforms where members can access professional guidance, mentorship, and legal support, both in person and online.

– Creation and Protection of Lawyers’ Businesses – Implement initiatives aimed at supporting lawyers in establishing, growing, and safeguarding their legal practices.

– Bar Center as an Incubation Hub – Transform the Bar Center into a resource hub equipped with shared office space, internet access, legal research tools, and administrative support to help young lawyers launch and sustain their practices while reducing operational costs.

– Revenue Generation and Sustainability – Develop long-term funding strategies through structured programs, sponsorships, and partnerships to ensure financial stability and continuous growth of the branch.

c) Long-Term (12 – 24 Months)

– Promotion of Smart Courtrooms and Efficient Justice Delivery – Advocate for and support the adoption of technology-driven courtrooms to streamline legal proceedings and enhance judicial efficiency.

– Technology Integration – Organize training sessions on leveraging technology for efficient practice management, including the use of case management software and digital tools to improve workflow.

– CLE Performance Metrics – Track participation, completion rates, and feedback from Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs to measure their impact and continuously refine them for greater effectiveness.

– Court and Ethical Legal Practice Monitoring and Evaluation (CELP-M&E) Project – Establish a structured monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the legal system operates fairly, transparently, and efficiently while upholding ethical standards among legal practitioners. This initiative will enhance court operations and compliance with professional codes and laws.

– Specialization and Standardization – Promote the importance of legal specialization, professional partnerships, and standardized legal practices to improve service delivery, enhance client satisfaction, and elevate the profession.

Q: If you’re elected, you will be taking over from the current Chairman, Mr. Bisi Makanjuola. What policies would you be continuing from his administration – and for that matter, the Chairman under whom you served, IK Uwanna – even as you strive to chart your own course and pursue your own priorities?

A: Every policy implemented by past Chairmen that aligns with the mission, vision, values, and objectives of the NBA will be upheld and continued under my administration to ensure consistency and progress. I will collaborate with my team to elevate legal practice to international standards, ensuring that every member gains valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their professional growth.

Statutory committees will be strengthened and given their rightful place, ensuring they function effectively to serve the branch and its members. The goals of other committees established by past Chairmen will be carefully integrated into my administration’s overall deliverables, fostering a seamless and holistic approach to progress.

 Q: The slogan of the NBA is ‘Promoting the Rule of Law.’ As a rights advocate, are you satisfied (or should we say, encouraged) with the way the NBA Lagos Branch, in particular, is carrying out its mandate to the society in this regard so far? If not, what more (or differently) can, or should, the NBA Lagos be doing?

A: Continuous improvement will be a cornerstone of my administration. As a former Vice-Chair and Chair of the Human Rights Committee, I was deeply involved in advocating for respect for the rule of law. My approach included training rights advocates, engaging with community members, and collecting data on those affected by legal abuses. I bring valuable experience in analyzing critical issues, establishing viable engagement structures, and implementing sustainable solutions through technological tools to address the long-standing challenge of disrespect for the rule of law. To drive meaningful change, we will develop a comprehensive Code of Conduct for community members, incorporating training and retraining programs, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and a continuous improvement framework.

Success in this initiative will require massive legal education programs at the primary, secondary, and university levels, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of legal protection and compliance. By instilling respect for the law from an early stage, we will promote a culture of accountability and harmonious coexistence

Q: The welfare of lawyers is still a front-burner issue for the NBA as a whole and its members. What will the NBA Lagos Branch do under your watch to enhance the welfare of lawyers?

A: I had the privilege of serving as the Welfare Committee Chair during the Yemi Akangbe, SAN administration (2019–2021). During my tenure, I worked with my team to establish the first-ever comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme for members— an achievement that marked a significant milestone in the history of the Branch. However, I believe that welfare extends beyond health and life insurance. Under my administration, we will focus on revitalizing job opportunities, expanding the legal market, ensuring respect for legal practice, and actively challenging any barriers that hinder our progress.

We will leverage the strength of our membership to provide services that individuals may struggle to access independently. More importantly, we will establish structured frameworks to identify and address the short-, medium-, and long-term needs of our members through strategic, sustainable, and innovative welfare initiatives.

 Q: Over the years, there seems to be an unspoken dichotomy between lawyers in litigation and commercial (as well as in-house/government) counsel – with the latter sometimes expressing feelings of marginalization in the scheme of things. What will the NBA Lagos Branch under your leadership do to bridge this dichotomy?

A: Any progressive and sustainable solution begins with fostering a strong sense of collegiality among lawyers across different areas of practice — litigation, commercial law, and in-house/government counsel. To achieve this, my administration will organize a Collegiality Meeting, aimed at:

– Addressing biases and misinformation that hinder collaboration and mutual respect among legal practitioners;

– Establishing a clear understanding of the intersection between our responsibilities to the nation, our clients, and personal career advancement;

– Developing a structured work relationship protocol to promote seamless interaction and professional cooperation among members; and

– Providing targeted training to equip lawyers within these different legal practice structures with the knowledge and tools necessary for more effective collaboration.

By nurturing a culture of unity, respect, and shared professional responsibility, we will strengthen the legal community and create a more inclusive and dynamic practice environment.

Q: The month of March is of special importance to women, as it underlines the growing impact and influence of females like yourself in the professional space (including the legal profession) – and the need to ensure that issues of concern to the female gender are woven into the fabric of decision and policymaking in the legal profession. How will the NBA Lagos Branch under your leadership work to advance the interests of female lawyers?

A: My leadership experience in various women’s professional groups, including FIDA and the African Women Lawyers Association, has been both impactful and enlightening. Over the years, I have come to understand the importance of moving beyond assumptions and addressing real-life challenges based on factual experiences shared by those affected.

Through my work with families dealing with divorce, child custody, child abuse, and domestic violence, I have developed a realistic and solution-driven approach to tackling societal challenges. A key observation is that denial and fear of the unknown often hinder progress.

To drive meaningful change, my administration will:

– Organize brainstorming sessions to critically examine issues affecting women in the legal profession and society at large;

– Foster a genuine understanding of these challenges and establish a structured support system to provide both legal and emotional backing;

– Promote respect and equality in society by advocating for policies that protect vulnerable individuals and uphold fundamental rights;

– Empower female lawyers by providing training on applying fundamental safeguards that will lead to undeniable professional advancement;

– Reject societal conditioning that limits women’s potential, while promoting intentional action, mutual respect, and strategic engagement; and

– Ensure female lawyers are not marginalized in decision-making and policy formulation, advocating for equal opportunities and leadership representation.

By fostering intentionality, inclusivity, and empowerment, we will build a legal community where female lawyers can thrive without limitations.

Q: What about young lawyers? How would you address their concerns – and especially their quest for a greater role in the decision-making process at the level of the NBA Lagos Branch?

A: A significant number of our colleagues within 1-7 years of practice face serious challenges, including job insecurity, lack of housing, financial instability, and a generally hostile work environment. To address these pressing concerns, my administration will:

– Expand the business of law through every available legal means, creating job opportunities and sustainable career pathways for young lawyers;

– Establish a culture of mutual respect and mentorship, ensuring that every action and inaction serves as a practical learning template for those entering the profession;

– Leverage the branch’s large membership to negotiate better opportunities for our members, utilizing our collective strength to secure beneficial outcomes;

– Develop a distinct welfare policy tailored specifically for lawyers within their first 1-7 years at the Bar, recognizing their unique struggles and needs;

– Strengthen young lawyers’ representation by ensuring that the Chairperson of the Young Lawyers Forum co-opted into the Executive Committee, provide a direct voice in decision-making; and

– Harness the power of technology literacy among young lawyers to drive innovation and efficiency in legal practice, ensuring that all members thrive in an enabling environment.

By creating a supportive and opportunity-driven ecosystem, we will ensure that young lawyers not only survive but excel in the profession.

Q: Apart from being a practicing lawyer, you’re also – as we mentioned, a rights advocate, a writer and life coach. What unique attributes of these various roles – in terms of the business model involved, the work culture, your engagements with clients and other stakeholders, the manner in which you have been able to leveraged technology, etc., would you love to see replicated in the law ecosystem in general, and apply to the workings of the NBA Lagos Branch in particular, when you become Chairman? 

A: Knowledge, they say, is power, but the true impact of knowledge lies in its application—in transforming communities, fostering deeper reflection on critical issues, and formulating viable solutions to improve the material conditions of our members. I believe it is time to redefine our values, structures, and professional standards within the legal profession. The ever-evolving technological legal landscape demands that we embrace adaptability as a core skill to remain relevant and effective.

Throughout my career, I have relied on three key matrices to drive excellence in my work culture, client engagement, and interactions with stakeholders:

– Innovation – Finding new ways to enhance legal practice and service delivery.

– Creativity – Developing forward-thinking solutions to emerging challenges.

– Adaptability – Remaining flexible and proactive in the face of industry changes.

As Chair, I will ensure that these three principles —innovation, creativity, and adaptability — are embedded in the general legal ecosystem and reflected in the operations and governance of the NBA Lagos branch. This will position the branch as a dynamic, forward-looking institution that is responsive to the evolving needs of its members.

Q: I’m sure you’ll agree that our country, Nigeria, is currently at a critical juncture in terms of her social, economic, and political fortunes. While some stakeholders have called for comprehensive reforms in key areas of legislation, others have called for a total overhaul of the polity. In what areas would you like to see these reforms carried out, and what role do you envisage for the Premier Branch of the NBA – in all these?

 

A: In Nigeria today, there is overwhelming collective condemnation of governance failures, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Key areas requiring immediate intervention include:

1. Electoral and Political Reforms: Strengthening the protection of voters and their votes during elections.

– Enacting laws and policies to ensure credible, free, and fair elections.

– Implementing severe punitive measures to deter electoral malpractice and reduce the attractiveness of political offices for personal gain.

– Reducing the cost of governance to enhance efficiency.

– Promoting youth participation and gender inclusivity in politics.

2. Judicial Reforms

– Ensuring judicial independence by eliminating political interference.

– Basing judicial appointments and promotions on merit rather than political considerations.

– Modernizing court procedures through technology-driven case management for efficiency.

– Enhancing transparency and accountability in judicial decisions and processes.

– Reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks by simplifying and automating court procedures.

3. Constitutional and Governance Reforms

– Reviewing the 1999 Constitution to address concerns about federalism, resource control, and state autonomy.

– Implementing fiscal federalism, giving states greater control over their resources.

– Strengthening institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

– Education and Health Sector Reforms

– Increasing budgetary allocations to education and healthcare to improve quality and accessibility.

– Revamping the educational curriculum to focus on skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

– Strengthening health infrastructure and boosting local pharmaceutical production.

As a leading professional association, the NBA Lagos Branch has the capacity to:

– Conduct massive advocacy campaigns to push for key reforms.

– Organize specialized training programs for stakeholders on policy implementation.

– Collaborate with the NBA National Body to introduce reform-focused bills and lobbying efforts.

– Establish strategic pressure points to drive governmental accountability.

– Promote civic responsibility education to empower communities with knowledge of their rights and duties.

By taking an active role in national advocacy and policy engagement, we will position the Premier Branch as a catalyst for meaningful change in Nigeria’s governance, legal, and socio-economic landscape.

Q: If there’s one thing you’d want to be remembered for at the end of your tenure as Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch, what would that be?

A: I aspire to be remembered as a transformational leader who redefined legal practice, member welfare, and professional excellence through innovation, creativity, and adaptability.

NEWSWIRE: Thank you, Mrs. Tam-George.