As the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, gathers for its 2025 Annual Law Week, I extend my warmest greetings to the Chairman, the Executive Committee, and all members of this distinguished branch. It is always a moment of reflection and renewal when legal minds unite to shape the direction of our profession and this year’s theme, “Reshaping Legal Practice and Justice Delivery: Charting the Future of the Profession,” could not be more fitting.
Across the country, lawyers face systemic challenges—particularly the persistent delays in justice delivery and the underwhelming remuneration for legal practitioners. These issues do more than affect the bottom line; they threaten the very essence of what we stand for as officers in the temple of justice. When justice is delayed, its impact ripples beyond the courtrooms—eroding public trust and dampening the spirits of those who have dedicated their lives to defending rights and enforcing the rule of law.
This is a time for collective action. The implementation of the new Remuneration Order under the Legal Practitioners Act is not just desirable—it is urgent. It represents a critical step in ensuring that lawyers are adequately compensated for their work, their expertise, and their unwavering dedication to justice. This Order must be embraced, enforced, and defended if we are to sustain the legal profession as a viable, dignified career path for current and future generations.
I commend the NBA Owerri Branch for creating a platform to discuss these pressing issues. May your deliberations during this Law Week be both impactful and forward-looking. Together, let us continue to elevate the Bar and reinforce the structures that uphold justice in Nigeria.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
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