The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 27 August 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing members of the Section together for a day of accountability, reflection, governance and leadership transition.

The hybrid meeting was held physically at Serenity Legal Union & Partners, 7 Jessy and Jenny Road, off Peter Odili Road, by Domino’s Pizza Junction, Port Harcourt, with members also participating virtually.

The AGM formed part of the governance activities of the NBA-SBL during the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt. It provided an opportunity for members to review the activities of the Section, consider its annual and audited financial reports, consider the Electoral Committee’s report, recognise distinguished former leaders and formally usher in the new 2026–2028 Executive Committee.

 

Reviewing a Year of Growth, Engagement and Impact

A major focus of the AGM was the presentation of the NBA-SBL Annual Report covering the period from August 2025 to July 2026, alongside the audited financial statements for the same period.

The proceedings also reflected on the wider achievements of the Section during Mrs. Ozofu Ogemudia’s 2024–2026 tenure.

Among the major achievements recorded were strengthened relationships with public- and private-sector institutions, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association and Independent Petroleum Producers Group.

The Section also deepened its international engagement, including its delegation visit to the Law Society of England and Wales in June 2026, which provided opportunities for professional exchange and discussions around legal technology, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, arbitration and cross-border practice.

The report further recorded increased efforts to decentralise the activities of the Section through its Zonal Committees. The Northern Zonal Committee, for example, hosted its second Zonal Conference in Kaduna, attracting about 400 participants, while the Eastern and Western Zonal Committees continued their Business Law Bi-Monthly engagements.

Membership growth was another significant milestone. The AGM summary recorded an increase in membership from 5,673 in August 2024 to 7,800 in August 2026, representing a 38 percent increase.

The number of subject-matter committees also grew to 26, including the newly established Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Law Committee. The Section also commenced implementation of a new Standard Operating Procedure framework aimed at improving productivity, consistency and service delivery within the Secretariat.

The Immediate Past Chairperson, Mrs Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, delivering her handover speech at the 2026 NBA-SBL Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Financial Accountability and Governance

The financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2026 also formed part of the material presented for consideration at the AGM.

The report recorded receipts of ₦577.36 million during the financial year and a deficit of approximately ₦49.87 million, compared with a surplus of approximately ₦57.90 million in the previous year. It attributed the deficit principally to increased expenditure on seminars, training and committee activities, as well as exchange losses on foreign currency balances.

The AGM also approved a change in the Section’s external auditors. After 11 years, ABAX OSAP Professionals stepped down and CPA Partners was appointed as the new external auditor by resolution.

The outgoing Chairperson also drew attention to the structural challenge created by the Section’s 31 July financial year-end and the short period available to complete the audit before the August AGM. She recommended that the Section consider moving its financial year-end to June as part of a future constitutional review.

The consideration of the financial statements and audit arrangements formed part of the AGM’s governance agenda, reinforcing the Section’s commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship.

Honouring Service and Welcoming New Leadership

A particularly significant feature of the 2026 AGM was the transition from the 2024–2026 Executive Committee to the newly elected 2026–2028 Council.

The AGM agenda provided for the induction of former NBA-SBL Chairmen Mr. Ayuli Jemide and Dr. Adeoye Adefulu as Honorary Life Members in recognition of their service and contribution to the Section. It also provided for the presentation and inauguration of the newly elected Executive Officers and Members of the 2026–2028 Executive Committee, followed by the acceptance speech of the incoming Chairman.

The transition marked the conclusion of Mrs. Ozofu Ogemudia’s two-year tenure as the 7th and second female Chairperson of the NBA-SBL. In her final report, she reflected on the growth of the Section’s membership, expansion of committee activities, strengthened institutional relationships, policy engagement and professional development initiatives during her tenure.

The AGM also recognised the service of former Chairmen Mr. Ayuli Jemide and Dr. Adeyoye Adefulu, who were inducted as Honorary Life Members in absentia. Their plaques and letters were to be dispatched to them.

The newly elected 2026–2028 Council now takes responsibility for building on that foundation. The election process was conducted under Articles 12–14 of the Uniform By-Laws, with nominations opening on 10 June, closing on 26 June and the poll held on 12 August 2026. Of 2,733 eligible members, 611 voted, representing a turnout of 22.4 percent; no ballot was rejected and no double voting was recorded.

The AGM inaugurated Baba Alokularu as incoming Chairperson. He said his leadership would build on existing templates, projects and institutional values rather than introduce a completely fresh agenda, emphasising continuity in the Section’s work.

Several offices were uncontested because only one valid nomination was received for each. The incoming leadership also includes elected officers Dr. Fatima Kekri Ahmed, who secured 490 votes as Financial Secretary, and Fumi Osemobor, who secured 501 votes as Assistant Secretary, alongside five elected Council members.

The Electoral Committee also presented recommendations for future elections, including the use of independent and candidate-nominated observers, pre-poll platform testing, mandatory candidate manifestos, digital fingerprint verification as standard practice, and by-law amendments addressing ties and post-publication withdrawals.