Nigerian Bar Association Announces Programme For 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has released the official programme for its 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC), with legal practitioners from across Nigeria and beyond expected to converge on Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 21 to 28 August 2026 for one of the largest gatherings of members of the legal profession.
The conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” will hold at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt and is designed to provide a platform for professional development, policy discussions, institutional governance, networking, and community engagement. The NBA said this year’s conference will explore the changing role of the legal profession in responding to emerging legal, economic, technological, and institutional challenges.
Activities will begin on Friday, 21 August, with a Jumaat Service, marking the official commencement of the conference. The following day, Saturday, 22 August, participants will take part in a Health Walk, Tree Planting and Community Clean-Up Exercise, a Pre-Conference National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting, and a Welcome Cocktail, reflecting the association’s commitment to wellness, environmental sustainability, and collegial interaction.
The formal opening of the conference is scheduled for Sunday, 23 August, beginning with a Church Service, followed by the Opening Ceremony and the official opening of the Friendship Centre, which traditionally serves as a major networking hub for delegates throughout the conference.
From 24 to 26 August, delegates will participate in the core academic and professional sessions of the conference. These include showcases, plenary sessions, and breakout sessions, where legal experts, judges, policymakers, academics, business leaders, and practitioners will examine contemporary issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.
The conference will also feature a number of social and recreational events, including the Football Final, the President’s Dinner, and the popular UNBARRED event, offering participants opportunities to interact beyond the formal conference sessions and strengthen professional relationships.
On Thursday, 27 August, attention will shift to the internal affairs of the association with the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of the NBA Sections, followed by the NBA Annual General Meeting, where members will deliberate on key issues relating to the association and its future direction.
The conference will conclude on Friday, 28 August, with the AGC Press Conference, the Swearing-In Ceremony for newly elected national officers, and the departure of delegates, bringing the week-long event to a close.
According to the NBA, the 2026 Annual General Conference is expected to attract leaders of the legal profession, judicial officers, government officials, representatives of public institutions, business executives, academics, development partners, and other stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria. The association noted that the conference will provide an important opportunity for meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration aimed at strengthening the legal profession and advancing the rule of law.
Programme at a Glance
City: Port Harcourt
State: Rivers State
Venue: Yakubu Gowon Stadium
21 August
● Jumaat Service
22 August
● Health Walk
● Tree Planting and Community Clean-Up
● Pre-Conference NEC Meeting
● Welcome Cocktail
23 August
● Church Service
● Opening Ceremony
● Opening of Friendship Centre
24–26 August
● Showcases
● Plenary Sessions
● Breakout Sessions
● Football Final
● President’s Dinner
● UNBARRED
27 August
● Sections’ Annual General Meetings
● NBA Annual General Meeting
28 August
● AGC Press Conference
● Swearing-In Ceremony
● Departure
The NBA encouraged all legal practitioners to make adequate plans to attend the conference, describing it as an opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, expand professional networks, contribute to national conversations on justice sector reforms, and collectively explore how the legal profession can continue to thrive beyond limits.
