NBA Did Not Sell Hosting Rights for AGC 2025, Clarifies Rivers State Donation Was a Gift, Not Payment
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC) Planning Committee has issued a statement addressing recent claims regarding the hosting of the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The statement, signed by the committee chairman, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, refutes assertions attributed to the Administrator of Rivers State, suggesting that the state government paid for hosting rights to secure the event.
The committee clarified that the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was finalized in August 2024, following internal deliberations by the NBA. Contrary to claims of a competitive bidding process or financial transaction for hosting rights, the committee emphasized that no such process existed, and the selection of Port Harcourt was not contingent on any payment. “The host city has no hosting right, and there is no representation by the NBA that the Conference must be held in a chosen city,” the statement noted.
Hosting the NBA AGC is a significant undertaking, involving substantial financial and logistical demands. To manage these costs, the NBA Conference Planning Committee traditionally seeks support from state governments, corporate organizations, ministries, departments, and agencies aligned with the association’s vision. Such support, the committee explained, is offered unconditionally in the form of gifts, partnerships, or sponsorships, without any expectation of exclusive rights or privileges.
The committee further addressed the specific contribution from the Rivers State government, describing it as a gift rather than a payment tied to hosting rights. “The money from Rivers State was a gift and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC,” the statement affirmed. This clarification aligns with the NBA’s historical practice, as recent conferences have similarly benefited from financial support provided by various state governments and organizations under their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The NBA AGC Planning Committee reiterated its commitment to delivering a world-class conference for members of the Bar, emphasizing its intent to avoid unnecessary controversies. “We are committed to delivering a world-class conference to members of the Bar and will not be drawn into any unnecessary controversy over this issue,” Obegolu stated.
The 2025 NBA AGC is expected to bring together legal professionals from across Nigeria and beyond, fostering discussions on critical issues affecting the legal profession and the nation. With Port Harcourt as the host city, the committee is focused on ensuring a seamless and impactful event that upholds the NBA’s tradition of excellence.
