The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that the ₦300 million it received from the Rivers State Government was a goodwill gesture and not tied to any hosting rights for its 2025 Annual General Conference.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the 2025 NBA Conference Planning Committee, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emeka Obegolu, the association emphasized that the decision to hold the conference in Port Harcourt was made in August 2024, independent of any bidding process or financial contributions.
Obegolu’s clarification followed remarks attributed to the Rivers State Administrator suggesting the state government had funded the hosting of the NBA conference, initially planned for Port Harcourt.
The statement explained that due to the significant costs of organizing the annual conference, the Planning Committee often seeks support from organizations, agencies, and state governments. However, such support is offered unconditionally and does not grant any hosting rights or privileges.
It further noted that the receipt of financial assistance does not bind the NBA to host the conference in a particular city, nor does it create an obligation for the association to make any representations about the conference location.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has expressed enthusiasm to host the 2025 Annual General Conference. Rita Mbah, Chairperson of the Enugu State Tourism Board, assured reporters that the state was prepared to offer “a memorable and seamless experience” for participating lawyers.
Mbah confirmed the availability of the newly commissioned Enugu International Conference Centre as the venue for the event.
The NBA’s decision to relocate the 2025 conference from Rivers State to Enugu was in response to President Bola Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, replacement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara with retired naval chief Ibok-ete Ibas.