NBA AGC 2024: Akpabio, Mahama, Bagudu Call For Action To Transform Africa
At the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at Eko Hotel in Lagos, prominent African leaders, including Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, and former Ghanaian President John Mahama, issued a collective call for transformative action to propel Africa towards sustainable development.
In his address, Senate President Akpabio emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among Nigerians to rebuild the nation. He underscored the importance of adopting new perspectives to guide Nigeria’s future, aligning his remarks with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. Akpabio highlighted the pivotal role of the legal community in this transformation, urging lawyers to contribute actively to nation-building.
“The mindset of yesterday brought us to where we are today, and today’s mindset will determine our future. We must transform our minds,” Akpabio stated, calling on the legal profession to lead in fostering a new national posture for rebuilding Nigeria.
Reflecting on the NBA’s historical significance, Akpabio noted its central role in Nigeria’s journey to independence and its continued influence in shaping the nation’s legal and political landscape. He encouraged the association to build on its legacy while embracing the future with determination.
Former Ghanaian President John Mahama, who served as the guest speaker, addressed the broader challenges facing Africa, particularly in the areas of security, economic development, and political stability. Mahama urged African legal professionals to play a more active role in shaping the continent’s future, stressing the need for legal reforms, economic diversification, and youth empowerment.
“Africa remains largely an exporter of raw materials and a consumer of finished goods. To inspire hope in our future, we must address these structural challenges,” Mahama said. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a significant opportunity for economic growth but warned that its potential remains unrealized due to lingering colonial economic structures.
Mahama also drew attention to the declining public trust in democratic institutions across Africa, citing recent statistics from Ghana as indicative of broader continental trends. He urged legal professionals to advocate for reforms that empower the youth, protect workers’ rights, and promote innovation and job creation.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu focused on Africa’s economic potential, urging the continent to redefine its perspective and harness its vast resources effectively. Bagudu highlighted Africa’s large population and landmass as significant assets that, if properly leveraged, could lead to greater prosperity.
“Africa’s landmass and population rival those of China and India, yet our economic output remains disproportionately low,” Bagudu noted. He called for collective action among African nations to generate the resources needed for sustainable development, stressing that inadequate access to capital remains a significant barrier.
Bagudu also pointed to Nigeria’s push to join global alliances like the G20 as a positive step towards integrating Africa into the global economy. However, he emphasized the need for African countries to confront their realities and make difficult choices to set the continent on a sustainable development path.
The leaders’ remarks underscored a shared vision for Africa’s future—one that requires bold action, collective effort, and a commitment to transformative change. As the NBA conference continues, the call to harness the power of legal institutions and professionals in driving this change remains a central theme.
