The planning committee for the Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has responded to a statement credited to the Administrator of Rivers State, suggesting that the state government paid hosting rights to secure Port Harcourt as the host city for the 2025 NBA AGC. The committee has issued a clarification to debunk this claim and set the record straight regarding the selection process.

According to the NBA AGC Planning Committee, the decision to host the 2025 conference in Port Harcourt was made as early as August 2024. The committee emphasized that the selection of Port Harcourt was not based on a bidding process, nor was it contingent upon the payment of hosting rights. The NBA does not grant hosting rights to any city, nor does it guarantee that the conference must be held in a particular location based on financial contributions.

Traditionally, the cost of hosting the AGC is substantial, prompting the NBA Conference Planning Committee to seek support from state governments, corporate organizations, and other agencies. However, such support is always offered unconditionally and is not linked to any hosting rights. Specifically, the financial support received from Rivers State was described as a gift and not a payment for hosting rights.

Over the years, NBA conferences have benefited from partnerships, sponsorships, and financial contributions from various state governments and organizations. These contributions align with corporate social responsibility efforts and shared objectives of promoting the NBA’s vision. Rivers State’s financial support was no exception and was given to aid the planning and execution of the conference, not to secure hosting privileges.

The Chair of the 2025 NBA AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to delivering a world-class conference for its members. He stated that the committee would not be drawn into unnecessary controversy over the issue, as its primary focus remains on the successful planning and execution of the event.

This clarification underscores the NBA’s transparent approach to organizing its conferences and highlights the importance of accurate information regarding its processes. By addressing the claims, the committee seeks to eliminate misconceptions while ensuring the focus remains on delivering a high-quality event for members of the Bar.