By Sandra Kenneth
Over 23,000 legal practitioners from across Nigeria and international delegates are set to gather in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), commncing August 21, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference at the NBA House in Port Harcourt, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described the association’s return to Rivers State as a symbolic restitution. The NBA had previously bypassed the state following the controversial declaration of a state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator, a move the association condemned as unconstitutional.
Osigwe highlighted the economic benefits of hosting the flagship gathering, noting that the influx of delegates, service providers, and contractors will inject significant capital into the local economy.
“In the Western world, cities lobby to host major conferences because of the massive economic boost they bring,” Osigwe said. “While we apologize to the residents of Rivers State for any temporary logistical inconveniences caused by the large crowd, we are confident this will be a edifying and successful conference for the Bar.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, assured participants of a well-structured and secure event. He outlined a robust schedule featuring educational lectures, panel sessions, and a city-wide health walk. Krukrubo confirmed that the LOC is collaborating closely with the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC), security agencies, and the Rivers State Ministry of Health to guarantee seamless logistics, safety, and medical support.
Highlighting the vision of the event, AGCPC Chairman Abdul Mohammed, SAN, introduced this year’s theme, “Beyond Limits.” He expressed optimism that the conference would inspire attendees and shatter perceived boundaries within the legal profession and society at large.
“This event is designed to rekindle hope among lawyers, Nigerians, and Africans, proving that any obstacle is merely a glass ceiling waiting to be broken,” Mohammed stated.
