The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC) Planning Committee has addressed reports suggesting that Rivers State government paid for hosting rights to secure the NBA AGC 2025.
In an official statement released by the committee, Chairman Emeka Obegolu, SAN, emphasized that the decision to hold the prestigious conference in Port Harcourt was made back in August 2024 and was never subjected to any bidding process or financial requirement for hosting rights.
“The host city does not possess hosting rights, nor does the NBA guarantee that the conference must be held in a particular location,” Obegolu clarified.
He further explained that given the significant costs involved in organizing the AGC, the NBA often seeks support from various entities, including state governments and corporate organizations, to facilitate a successful event. However, such financial contributions are purely voluntary and are provided as gifts, sponsorships, or partnerships—never tied to exclusive hosting privileges.
Recent NBA conferences have enjoyed financial backing from various governments, agencies, and businesses whose budgets accommodate corporate social responsibility efforts and align with the NBA’s mission. The Rivers State government’s financial support for the NBA AGC was classified as a donation, with no conditions attached.
