NBA President-elect Badejo-Okusanya vows better welfare for lawyers after election victory

NBA President-elect Badejo-Okusanya vows better welfare for lawyers after election victory

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to prioritise the welfare, professional development and economic well-being of lawyers across the country following her election to lead Nigeria’s largest association of legal practitioners.

In her first public message after emerging victorious in the NBA national election, Badejo-Okusanya thanked members of the association for the confidence reposed in her, describing her election as a shared achievement for lawyers committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and forward-looking Bar.

She said the outcome of the election reflected the collective desire of members for a Nigerian Bar Association that is responsive to the needs of legal practitioners, promotes professional excellence and protects the interests of lawyers at every stage of their careers.

The President-elect also commended members who participated in the electoral process, noting that the peaceful conduct of the election demonstrated the NBA’s commitment to internal democracy and institutional development.

Badejo-Okusanya expressed appreciation to her fellow contestants, saying their participation enriched the democratic process and reinforced the association’s tradition of healthy competition based on ideas and service.

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She also acknowledged the contributions of her campaign team, coordinators, volunteers, supporters, colleagues, mentors and friends, describing their dedication throughout the campaign as instrumental to her success.

The Senior Advocate reserved special appreciation for her family, particularly her husband, for their encouragement, understanding and unwavering support throughout the electioneering period.

With the election concluded, she said the focus would immediately shift from campaigns to governance, promising to provide transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership that would serve every member of the association regardless of how they voted.

According to Badejo-Okusanya, improving the welfare of lawyers will remain one of the central priorities of her administration. She pledged to pursue initiatives that would enhance lawyers’ earning capacity, strengthen professional opportunities, improve continuing legal education and promote better working conditions across the legal profession.

She also promised to work with NBA branches, senior members of the Bar and other stakeholders to address longstanding challenges affecting legal practitioners, including young lawyers who have consistently called for improved remuneration, mentorship opportunities and greater access to professional development programmes.

Legal practitioners have in recent years advocated reforms aimed at improving lawyers’ welfare, including enhanced enforcement of the Remuneration Order for Legal Practitioners, expansion of capacity-building initiatives and policies that promote the sustainability of legal practice in Nigeria.

Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence is widely seen as a significant milestone in the history of the NBA and is expected to usher in a new phase of engagement on issues affecting the legal profession, judicial reforms, rule of law and access to justice.

Observers say her administration will face expectations to strengthen the association’s role in defending constitutional democracy, protecting the independence of the judiciary and advocating policies that improve the practice of law in Nigeria.

As preparations begin for her formal inauguration, members of the Bar are expected to closely monitor the implementation of the promises made during the campaign, particularly those relating to lawyers’ welfare, professional development and institutional reforms.

Her election marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for the Nigerian Bar Association, with many lawyers expressing optimism that the incoming administration will deliver meaningful reforms capable of improving both the profession and the justice sector.\

NBA President-elect Badejo-Okusanya vows better welfare for lawyers after election victory