The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) has underscored the urgent need to rebuild ethical standards within the legal profession, noting that declining perceptions of integrity among young lawyers must be deliberately reversed.
  
Chairman, NBA-SLP, Folashade Alli (SAN), stated this at a press conference ahead of the 2026 yearly conference of the section, stressing the urgent need to restore confidence in the legal profession, particularly among young practitioners.
  
The conference, scheduled to hold from April 7 to 10 at the National Theatre, Lagos, is themed, “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives.”
  
Alli noted that SLP remains the heartbeat of the profession, with a renewed commitment to nurturing young lawyers and broadening the scope of legal practice beyond litigation.
  
According to her, the opening day of the conference will feature a five-hour intensive training session, where a leading Nigerian law firm has volunteered to train 1,000 young lawyers on emerging trends and the future of legal practice.
  
She explained that the initiative is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of evolving legal frameworks, innovative practices, and global standards required to thrive in a rapidly changing legal environment.
  
“All the sessions are tailored towards innovation, evolving trends, Nigerian practices and global perspectives. 
  
“The young lawyers are the future of the profession and we must invest in them,” she said.
  
As part of activities lined up for the first day, participants from across the country are expected to converge on Lagos, with a welcome event scheduled to be held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, alongside a film screening and networking session.
  
Alli further disclosed that the conference will host an array of local and international speakers from different countries, addressing topics such as arbitration, taxation and the impact of technology on legal practice.
  
She added that participants will benefit from six to seven plenary sessions and two fireside chats, all designed to deepen knowledge and promote continuous professional development.
 
Highlighting one of the key milestones of the conference, Alli announced that the NBA-SLP will unveil a comprehensive law firm directory, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at improving visibility and access to legal practitioners across the country.
  
She revealed that over 2,600 law firms have already registered in the directory, which will be formally launched on April 8.
  
Alli emphasised that legal practice extends beyond courtroom litigation, incorporating diverse specialisations that require continuous learning and adaptation.
  
“We are building on the legacy of those before us, while ensuring that the SLP evolves with global standards. 
  

“This conference reflects our commitment to innovation, excellence and the future of the profession,” she said.
  
Co-Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), Mr Kelechi Obi (SAN), described the section as central to the Bar, noting that ethical and proper practice remains the foundation of the profession.
  
He said the theme for the conference reflects the need for lawyers to align with global developments beyond traditional courtroom roles. 
  
According to him, the conference aims to equip practitioners with practical knowledge to navigate emerging realities.
  
Speaking on the location, Obi said the venue symbolises the synergy between law and the arts.
  
He added that the conference will feature keynote speaker Judge Taoheed Olufemi Elias and other top legal figures, with discussions designed to inspire actionable outcomes for participants.
  
Vice Chairman of the NBA-SLP, Tonye Krukrubo (SAN) said the 2026 conference is nearing full physical attendance, with virtual participation still open, particularly for young lawyers seeking to deepen advocacy skills.
  
He highlighted the early staging of the Young Litigators Debate and a key fireside session moderated by Yinka Omorogbe, featuring former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
  
Krukrubo noted that discussions will address judicial independence, financial autonomy and practical issues like garnishee proceedings, stressing that resolutions from the conference would drive reforms and strengthen the rule of law.
  
The Chairman, CPC, Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) assured participants of seamless traffic management during the forthcoming conference, noting that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been engaged to ensure free vehicular movement within the host area.
  
“Happily, the location of the conference is the National Theatre. So, notwithstanding that fact, we have made arrangements for security with the local law enforcement, the police and for traffic. 
  
“We have enlisted the assistance of the LASTMA to keep traffic flowing in that area,” she said.