The Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Associate Professor Uju Agomoh, has called on Nigerian lawyers to rise beyond conventional legal practice and take a more active role in confronting injustice, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability in governance.
Delivering her welcome address at the 2026 NBA-SPIDEL Annual International Conference in Umuahia, Abia State, Agomoh stressed that the true value of the law lies in its ability to protect human dignity, safeguard fundamental rights and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. She urged participants to move beyond discussions and pursue practical reforms capable of advancing justice, democracy and sustainable development.
ADDRESS BY THE CHAIR OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SECTION ON PUBLIC INTEREST AND DEVELOPMENT LAW (NBA-SPIDEL) AT THE 2026 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE
Theme: IN PUBLIC INTEREST: ADVANCING JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT
Distinguished Guests, Honourable Ministers, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, members of the judiciary, learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, distinguished members of the Bar, representatives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, members of the academia, our colleagues from across Nigeria and beyond, ladies and gentlemen.
It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that I welcome you to the 2026 Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), holding here in the historic and welcoming city of Umuahia, Abia State.
On behalf of the leadership and members of NBA-SPIDEL, I express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Abia State for graciously co-hosting and being the headline sponsor of this year’s conference and for their commitment to supporting conversations and initiatives that advance justice, democratic governance and sustainable development. Special thanks to His Excellency Prof Yemi Osibanjo SAN, GCON, former Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria for accepting to be the keynote speaker for the 2026 SPIDEL Conference. Also, we thank Prof Pat Utomi (Founder Centre for Values and Leadership), Lisa Henry (Secretary General, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, IRCT), Dr Sam Amadi (Director, The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought and Dean, Ave Maria University Law School
), for accepting to share their responses to the keynote speech. Thanks also to the Chairman of the keynote session Honourable Justice L.T.C Eruba of the Abia State Judiciary.
I wish to express my profound appreciation to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and the entire leadership of the Association. There were some high points of this conference that would not have happened without madam President’s leadership, guidance, contacts and tangible support. Same can be said of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Abia State – Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN.
Our theme, “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development,” is both timely and fundamental to the aspirations of our nation. It reminds us that the law must be more than a collection of rules and procedures; it must remain a living instrument for protecting human dignity, promoting accountability, safeguarding fundamental rights and advancing the collective welfare of society.
Public interest law occupies a particularly important place in a constitutional democracy. It provides a framework through which the legal profession can confront systemic injustice, challenge abuses of power, promote access to justice and ensure that the interests of vulnerable and marginalised populations are not overlooked. It also reinforces the responsibility of lawyers to contribute meaningfully to public policy, institutional reform and the strengthening of democratic governance.
At a time when Nigeria continues to confront significant challenges relating to insecurity, poverty, inequality, human rights violations, access to justice, institutional accountability and public confidence in governance, the responsibility of the legal profession cannot be overstated. We must continue to ask ourselves not merely whether the law exists, but whether it works for the people; not merely whether institutions are established, but whether they deliver justice; and not merely whether democratic structures are in place, but whether they genuinely protect the rights and interests of citizens.
This conference therefore provides an important platform for critical reflection, constructive engagement and the development of practical solutions. Through our plenary sessions, technical discussions and specialised engagements, we hope to examine the role of the legal profession in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law, expanding access to justice, protecting human rights and advancing development that is inclusive and sustainable.
As lawyers, we must recognise that our professional calling extends beyond the courtroom and the representation of individual clients. We have a responsibility to society. We must be willing to engage with difficult questions, challenge injustice wherever it occurs, promote reforms that strengthen institutions and use our knowledge and influence to improve the lives of ordinary people.
I particularly encourage young lawyers, law students, academics, policymakers and civil society actors participating in this conference to engage actively with the conversations and opportunities presented. The future of public interest law in Nigeria depends on a new generation of committed, ethical and courageous legal practitioners who understand that the true value of the law lies in its capacity to serve humanity.
I also wish to acknowledge our partners, sponsors, resource persons, speakers, chairman and members of the conference planning committee, and chairman
and members of Local Organizing Committee, and all those whose dedication and support have contributed to making this conference possible. Your contributions affirm the importance of collaboration in advancing the ideals we collectively uphold.
As we deliberate over the coming days, let us move beyond rhetoric towards actionable commitments. Let our discussions generate ideas that can be translated into policies, institutional reforms, strategic partnerships and measurable interventions. Let us leave Umuahia with renewed determination to make the law a more effective instrument for justice, democracy, accountability and development.
I am confident that the 2026 NBA-SPIDEL Conference will strengthen our collective resolve and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of public interest law in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Once again, I warmly welcome you all to Umuahia and wish you fruitful deliberations, meaningful engagements and a memorable conference.
Thank you, God bless the
• Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Abia State
• Nigerian Bar Association
• SPIDEL &
• ALL OF US
UJU AGOMOH PhD
Chair,
Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL)
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