The Surulere Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for improved remuneration for lawyers and stronger welfare structures to cushion the rising cost of legal practice and economic pressures facing members of the profession.
The Chairman of the Branch, Mr. Anene Nwadukwe, Esq., made this call during his address at the 2nd Annual Dinner of the Branch in Lagos, whose theme, according to NEWSWIRE Law Events Magazine’s correspondent in Lagos, was ‘Expressing Unity Through our Cultural Diversity.’
Mr. Nwadukwe noted that while the Branch had recorded significant progress in the last 18 months, lawyer remuneration across Nigeria remained poor, with Surulere not exempt. The increasing cost of legal practice, he stressed, had brought to the fore the need for sustainable welfare and support systems, particularly for young lawyers.
Reflecting on his 18 months in office so far, the Chairman said his administration was guided by three key commitments: improving member welfare; promoting professional development; and deepening digital and community engagement. According to him, the Branch has experienced steady membership growth, (especially among young lawyers), and is now recognised nationally as a warm, accessible and professionally supportive branch.
Nwadukwe added that dormant committees had been revived, younger members empowered, and inclusive decision-making institutionalized – resulting in what he described as a strong culture of unity within the Branch.
On professional development, he disclosed that every monthly meeting over the past 18 months had featured Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions, trainings and mentorship engagements. These programmes, he said, covered practice areas such as fintech law, criminal litigation, taxation, real estate, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and ethical compliance, with leading jurists and experienced practitioners facilitating said sessions.
He also highlighted the expansion of the branch’s Welfare Scheme, which provides emergency support, hospital visits and financial assistance to members in distress. “Our welfare philosophy”, he said, “remains simple: no member should walk alone.”
The Chairman further noted that the branch had embraced digital transformation through the introduction of an automated attendance system, a revamped website and improved online communication channels, leading to greater efficiency, transparency and real-time engagement among members.
Cordial Bench-Bar relations, Nwadukwe added, had been maintained through courtesy visits and open communication with judicial officers, while the Branch’s community impact was strengthened through its first-ever Pro Bono and Legal Aid Outreach, while the NBA Surulere Law Clinic has since become a flagship initiative of the Branch.
On accountability, he stated that prudent financial management and open reporting had ensured that the Branch remained financially stable, solvent and administratively organised.
Despite acknowledging challenges such as poor remuneration, the need for stronger mentorship structures, gender balance, inclusion and deeper engagement within the national NBA, the Chairman expressed confidence in the Branch’s capacity to overcome and innovate. “With your continued support,” he told his colleagues, “we will expand our welfare programmes, enhance partnerships, empower committees, strengthen mentorship and elevate the profile of this branch to national prominence,” he said.
The event also featured a stimulating keynote address by Dr. Olumide Obayemi, Associate Professor of Tax Law at the University of Lagos, who spoke on the topic, ‘An Overview of the Nigerian Tax Law 2025.’
Another highlight of the day was the presentation of awards to a number of legal luminaries in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of the Surulere NBA Branch. They are:
– Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN;
– Olusegun Falowe, SAN;
– Adeleke Abiola, SAN;
– Chief Abiodun, Esq.;
– Donatus Okeke;
– Mrs. Rosaline Akimbo, Esq.; and
– Mrs. Chinwe Regina Nnalugha.
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