The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law will hold its 2026 Annual Conference in Umuahia, Abia State, from November 10 to 13. The event, co-hosted by the Abia State Government, aims to examine barriers to justice, threats to democracy, and measures to prevent deaths and abuses in custody. The conference will bring together participants from the judiciary, legal profession, government, civil society, academia, development institutions, and the security and justice sectors.
The conference, themed "In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development," will provide a platform for "serious conversation, practical solutions and strategic action." According to Dr. Uju Agomoh, Chair of the Section, the gathering will focus on justice, democracy, and development. The event will discuss delays in the administration of justice, inadequate legal representation, weak institutions, and difficulties faced by vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Discussions will also focus on strengthening legal aid, promoting non-custodial measures, and improving oversight of detention facilities. Agomoh emphasized that justice cannot be meaningful when citizens are unable to access it. The Section will continue to draw attention to the urgent need to prevent avoidable deaths and abuses in detention and ensure that facilities operate in accordance with Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
The conference will examine the role of lawyers in defending constitutional governance and strengthening democratic institutions. Agomoh warned that democracy cannot survive on elections alone, and sustaining democracy requires strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and independent oversight. Participants will also discuss corruption, illicit financial flows, and terrorism financing.
Other issues on the agenda include public interest litigation, policing and community safety, state policing, correctional reform, and the participation of young lawyers, women lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities. Agomoh expressed hope that deliberations will produce concrete commitments extending beyond the conference hall and urged the media to help bring the issues to wider public attention.
The conference aims to identify solutions, responsibilities, and pathways for action. Agomoh thanked the Abia State Government, partners, sponsors, and speakers for supporting the conference. The event is expected to bring together participants from various sectors to address pressing issues in the justice system.
The conference will take place at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, with the Abia State Government as co-host. The event is expected to attract a large turnout of participants from across the country. Key issues to be discussed include access to justice, deaths in custody, and strengthening democratic institutions.
Key points
- The conference will examine barriers to justice and measures to prevent deaths and abuses in custody.
- The event aims to provide a platform for "serious conversation, practical solutions and strategic action" on justice, democracy, and development.
- Discussions will focus on strengthening legal aid, promoting non-custodial measures, and improving oversight of detention facilities.
