In a major move to tackle corruption and reinforce integrity within the legal profession and beyond, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced plans to establish anti-corruption committees in each of its 130 branches across the country. This development was revealed on Monday and reflects the association’s commitment to promoting accountability and transparency at both national and community levels.
Professor Babafemi Badejo, Chairman of the NBA National Anti-Corruption Committee, shared the news in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos. He explained that this initiative stems from a resolution passed during the recent National Executive Committee meeting in Ilorin, where it was unanimously agreed that every NBA branch must set up a committee dedicated to addressing corruption-related matters.
According to Prof. Badejo, these branch-level anti-corruption committees will be mandated to handle issues of corruption within their jurisdictions. More importantly, they will work hand-in-hand with local stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and civil society organizations to fight corruption from the grassroots level.
The branch committees are expected to coordinate with the NBA National Anti-Corruption Committee to ensure a unified and effective approach. The national body will serve as the coordinating hub for all anti-corruption activities across branches, ensuring consistency and shared strategy in the association’s stance against corruption.
Professor Badejo also noted that the NBA, under the leadership of Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, had earlier in the year established the national anti-corruption committee. With the groundwork laid at the national level, the NBA is now extending the campaign to its branches to drive home the message that corruption cannot and should not be normalized in Nigeria.
Each branch will have the autonomy to tailor its anti-corruption activities to meet local needs while staying aligned with the national agenda. This flexible yet coordinated strategy is designed to ensure the NBA’s efforts are practical, effective, and far-reaching.
“The NBA is clearly stepping into its rightful role as a beacon of justice and the rule of law,” Prof. Badejo affirmed. “Fighting corruption is not just a professional obligation—it’s a national duty. Our association’s commitment to anti-corruption is a clear demonstration of our core mission: promoting the rule of law in every sphere of Nigerian life.”
Through this initiative, the NBA is sending a strong message that corruption has no place within the legal system or society at large. By empowering its branches and promoting collaboration across sectors, the NBA reinforces its position as a vital force in Nigeria’s fight for justice and good governance.
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