“I’ll Bring to NBA-SLP Inclusion, Visibility, and Measurable Impact”

As International Women’s Day approaches, it is apposite for us to engage the female Chairperson of one of the most vibrant Sections of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), in the person of Mrs Folashade Alli, SAN, C. Arb. In this interview, Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, listened as Mrs Alli laid out her vision for her two-year tenure, and unpacked some of what she’s bringing into the Section. She also shared her views on several issues, including the standards in the legal profession and the role of AI, while giving an insight into the forthcoming NBA-SLP Annual Conference themed “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives” taking place in Lagos, from April 7 – 10, 2026

Learned Silk, you have distinguished yourself in both arbitration and litigation. Where does your love truly lie in legal practice, and why?

 This is a question I have genuinely reflected upon, over the years.

My journey began with litigation during my NYSC at the Ministry of Justice in Jos, Plateau State. Appearing in court as a young Lawyer alongside seasoned Senior Counsel, shaped me profoundly. I learned the discipline of advocacy, the structure of proceedings, and the responsibility that comes with representing a client before a Judge. That experience left a lasting impression.

 I was also influenced early by the example of my father, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, whose practice was deeply rooted in courtroom advocacy. Litigation, in that sense, was not merely professional work; it was a calling grounded in service, courage, and intellectual rigour.

 When I commenced private practice in 2001, I combined corporate advisory work, VAT recovery, and litigation. A pivotal moment came when I joined the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Arbitration opened my eyes to a different, yet, equally compelling, dimension of dispute resolution. One that is flexible, confidential, and particularly suited to complex commercial and cross-border disputes.

Over time, I have come to appreciate that litigation and arbitration are not rivals; they are complementary. My courtroom experience sharpens my work as an arbitrator, and sitting as an arbitrator strengthens my strategic thinking as counsel.

Being appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2023, was a significant milestone. More importantly, it reaffirmed my commitment to excellence in dispute resolution, regardless of forum.

If I must summarise my philosophy, it is this:

“The forum may differ, but the mission remains the same – to ensure that justice is done, and is seen to be done”.

I often remind young practitioners that mastery of advocacy and competence in alternative dispute resolution, are not mutually exclusive. Together, they make for a complete dispute resolution Lawyer.

You are coming in as Chairperson of the NBA-SLP, at a time when other Sections of the NBA have experienced succession challenges. Kindly, share with us the process that saw your emergence as Chairperson

 My emergence as Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) followed the constitutional framework set out in the NBA Constitution 2015 (as amended in 2021), specifically the Third Schedule, Part II – Uniform By-Laws for Sections.

 Consistent with these provisions, the process involved nominations in accordance with established eligibility criteria and the conduct of an election under the supervision of the appropriate electoral body. Eligible members were duly notified, and participated in the exercise.

 The NBA-SLP has, over the years, cultivated a culture of collegiality, continuity, and institutional stability. Leadership transitions within the Section, have traditionally reflected this ethos. My emergence was consistent with that culture, and fully compliant with the governing constitutional framework.

The NBA-SLP remains firmly committed to due process, internal democracy, and seamless leadership transition which remain central to its stability and effectiveness.

What are you bringing into SLP in your two-year tenure? What should Lawyers expect from you?

 Thank you for this. I was inaugurated as Chairperson of the NBA Section on Legal Practice at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Enugu in August 2025, succeeding Mrs Boma Alabi, SAN, and other distinguished predecessors who laid a strong foundation.

What I bring to the NBA-SLP is inclusion, visibility, and measurable impact.

One of the initiatives I am particularly proud of, is the NBA-SLP National Law Firm Directory, the first of its kind in Nigeria. Its objective is simple, but powerful: to provide law firms, irrespective of size or area of practice, with a platform for national visibility and professional recognition.

We have also appointed Regional SLP Coordinators across the Federation, to ensure that the Section is active, responsive, and visible in every jurisdiction, not just major cities.

 Members should expect robust professional development programmes, tailored to emerging areas of law. They should also expect a sustained emphasis on ethics and professional standards, because integrity remains the foundation of our credibility.

We are strengthening regional engagement and expanding international collaboration, to position Nigerian Lawyers to compete  and lead  on the global stage.

 My goal is straightforward: to leave the NBA-SLP stronger than I met it; more visible, more inclusive, and more impactful for every member.

 The NBA-SLP 2026 Annual Conference is scheduled for April 7–10, 2026. What is the theme? Kindly, give us an overview and highlights

The NBA-SLP 2026 Annual Conference will take place from April 7th to 10th, 2026 under the theme:

“Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives.”

 This theme reflects our resolve to prepare Nigerian Lawyers, for a rapidly changing legal environment. Technology, cross-border transactions, regulatory shifts, and evolving client expectations, are reshaping practice. We must evolve accordingly.

The Conference will be hosted at the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, a world-class venue for learning, networking, and engagement.

 The programme features plenary sessions and panel discussions on judicial independence, public international law, dispute resolution, technology, corporate governance, and cross-border practice. It has been carefully curated to equip Lawyers, especially younger practitioners, with practical knowledge, relevant skills, and meaningful networks.

 We are honoured to host distinguished speakers including Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON; Judge George Elias of the International Court of Justice; Mr Tayo Oyedele; Prof Abiola Sanni, SAN; Prof Yinka Omoregbe, SAN; Mrs Mia Essien, SAN; and Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN, alongside other Senior Advocates, policy makers and industry leaders.

 As part of our commitment to practical skills development, the first registered young Lawyer will receive specialised professional training facilitated by Aluko & Oyebode, reinforcing our focus on nurturing early-career practitioners.

Registration will be primarily online, as in previous years, with structured support for members who require assistance.

Beyond the intellectual programme, delegates will enjoy a Gala Night at the Federal Palace Hotel, a Golf Tournament at Lakowe Lakes Golf Course, a movie outing at Terra Kulture, a cultural visit to the New Afrika Shrine, and a health walk with the leadership of the Bar.

 We are not merely organising a conference; we are shaping the future direction of Nigerian legal practice.

 What provisions have you made for older members, who may not be comfortable with online registration?

Inclusion is a core value of the NBA-SLP. We are particularly mindful of our senior colleagues, who may not be comfortable with digital platforms.

 While online registration remains our primary method for efficiency and effective data management, we have made deliberate arrangements to ensure that no member is excluded.

Members may contact our Secretariat directly via 08166413698, info@nbaslp.org, or visit our office at the 3rd Floor, Room 306, Lagos Court of Arbitration Building, 1A, Remi Olowude Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Our staff are available to guide them through the process, or complete registration on their behalf.

Although we do not provide on-site registration due to logistical and security considerations, help desks will be available at the venue to assist with confirmation and documentation.

 No member, regardless of age or digital literacy, will be left behind. Inclusion for us is not symbolic; it is intentional.

Some junior Lawyers have complained that NBA-SLP Conferences are quite pricey. How are you addressing this?

 We are mindful of the concerns raised by junior Lawyers, regarding cost. Financial constraints should not prevent young practitioners, from accessing opportunities for growth.

 To address this, we have introduced subsidised registration fees ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, depending on the registration period and membership status. We also offer early-bird packages and concessional rates, for students and Lawyers within five years post-call.

In addition, we have strengthened engagement with law firms and corporate organisations to secure sponsorships dedicated to supporting young Lawyers. Each year, a number of junior Lawyers attend at little or no cost.

 Personally, I am sponsoring 100 undergraduate law students and young Lawyers for this year’s Conference. I encourage senior members and firms, to embrace a similar mentorship culture.

Supporting young Lawyers, is not charity; it is an investment in the future of the profession. Financial barriers should never stand in the way of learning, mentorship, or professional growth.

 By way of speaking directly to Nigerian Lawyers, what do they stand to gain by joining NBA-SLP as members? Other NBA Sections have young Lawyers forums. Does NBA-SLP have such a platform for its young members?

Let me speak directly to Nigerian Lawyers. Joining the Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) is not just about affiliation, it’s about positioning yourself for growth and relevance.

The SLP is the arm of the NBA, that focuses squarely on the realities of practice. Whether your work is in litigation, corporate law, arbitration, compliance, or emerging fields like technology law, the Section is designed to sharpen your competence and strengthen your relevance. Members gain access to practical Continuing Legal Education, exposure to evolving areas of law, structured networking, and opportunities for collaboration both locally and internationally.

More importantly, SLP membership places you in a professional ecosystem focused on standards, how we practice, manage our firms, deliver value to clients, and maintain the integrity of the profession. It is about staying competitive, future-ready, and respected.

On the issue of young Lawyers, yes, we have a vibrant and functional platform for early-career practitioners. Young Lawyers are fully integrated into committees, programmes, and leadership discussions. We have dedicated coordination for youth engagement, mentorship initiatives, and professional development opportunities tailored to their needs. They are not treated as an afterthought, but are fully integrated into mainstream SLP activities, actively participating, contributing, and growing within the system.

So, what do Lawyers stand to gain by joining SLP?

Relevance- Lawyers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession. Competence- SLP creates access to practical training and guidance for real-world practice.

By joining a professional network with us at SLP, you are joining a community serious about the future of legal practice in Nigeria. You can visit nbaslp.org to join us today.

Some Lawyers are currently facing corruption charges in various courts and malpractice petitions at disciplinary committees. What, in your view, is responsible for this upsurge in such cases involving Lawyers? How can the negative tide be stemmed? What is NBA-SLP doing about the falling standards in the profession?

The legal profession mirrors the society in which it operates. The recent rise in corruption and disciplinary cases among Lawyers,  evinces the pressures, ethical lapses, commercial competition, and, at times, underdeveloped mentoring framework for young Lawyers navigating complex practice environments.

 Addressing this, requires a return to fundamentals. Ethics must be central to legal education, both at the University and Law School levels. Mentorship is critical: senior Lawyers have a duty to guide younger colleagues, not just in technical skills, but in professional conduct and integrity. Finally, disciplinary action must be firm, consistent, and timely; certainty of consequence, is one of the strongest deterrents. We have seen cases of Lawyers being sanctioned for misappropriation of client funds, filing frivolous cases, or gross professional negligence. This has led to suspension for a fixed period, fines, or, in the most serious cases, removal from the roll. These examples show that misconduct is taken seriously and that accountability is not merely a concept, but an active, ongoing process, and a deeply embedded policy in the legal practice.

The NBA-Section on Legal Practice is actively tackling these challenges through structured trainings, mentorship programmes, and conferences focused on ethics, competence, and modern practice management. By equipping Lawyers with knowledge, guidance, and professional examples, we aim to foster a culture where ethical excellence is expected, modelled, and rewarded.

In summary, the solution is not just policing misconduct; it is about building a profession where integrity is the norm, not the exception.

In the past few years, female Lawyers have outstripped their male counterparts in their numbers being called to the Nigerian Bar. What could be responsible for this, and how do you think it will and should impact the profession in the nearest future?

First, this is a very positive development for the profession. The increasing number of women being called to the Bar reflects broader societal shifts, greater access to education for girls, stronger encouragement from families, visibility of successful female role models in law, and a growing awareness that the legal profession offers influence, impact, and leadership opportunities. Women are embracing law, not just as a career, but as a platform for service and change.

I do not see this as a competition, between men and women. It is evidence that, the profession is becoming more representative of the society it serves.

In terms of impact, women will increasingly shape the future of the profession. They bring depth, resilience, discipline, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative leadership style that is essential in today’s complex legal and corporate environment. As more women rise, their influence will grow in advocacy, corporate practice, academia, policy, and on the Bench.

However, increased entry must be matched by retention and advancement. It is not enough for more women to be called to the Bar; we must ensure that they thrive, lead firms, become Senior Advocates, serve on the Bench, and head regulatory bodies. The profession should strengthen inclusive structures, such as mentorship, flexible career pathways, leadership development programmes, and policies supporting work-life balance.

When women succeed, the entire profession benefits. This shift is not just about numbers; it is about the quality of contribution, leadership, and transformative impact. I am confident that Nigerian female Lawyers will continue to shape a profession that is principled, resilient, and inclusive. The Nigerian Bar will be stronger for it.

14 Applicants recently failed the screening process for appointment onto the Bench, on the integrity grounds. What does this say about the process of judicial appointments?

I would first like to commend the National Judicial Council (NJC), for its integrity in overseeing the judicial appointment process. The screening demonstrates a competent and independent system, one in which candidates are not required to “play to the tune of” any external influence.

 The fact that fourteen applicants were evaluated and screened out on integrity grounds shows that the safeguards are working.

 What stands out in this screening process is the courage of the National Judicial Council (NJC). To disqualify fourteen applicants on integrity grounds, is a bold statement: judicial office is not a reward for connections or convenience, but a responsibility that demands unimpeachable character.

This action reflects a system willing to make difficult decisions. For example, candidates who may have had impressive technical credentials but whose past conduct raised questions, were sifted out. This demonstrates that character and integrity, remain central to the process.

It reflects a commitment to preventing unsuitable candidates from attaining judicial office, and reinforces public confidence in the Bench.

While no system is perfect, this approach shows that safeguards are effective. It also reminds all of us in the legal profession, whether at the Bar or on the Bench, that integrity and a high ethical standard are non-negotiable. Upholding high standards is not always easy, but it is essential for the rule of law.

The global trend in the legal profession today, is towards Artificial Intelligence. There has been the apprehension that, almost all traditional legal work will be taken over by AI. Do you share in this fear? Or, in the alternative, the fear that Lawyers may become too dependent on AI?

I do not share the fear that, AI will take over the legal profession. What I believe is that it will transform it, and transformation is not the same as extinction. Artificial Intelligence is a tool. A powerful one, certainly. It can analyse large volumes of data, conduct research faster, review documents efficiently, and automate repetitive processes. But law, at its core, is not merely about processing information. It is about judgment. It is about strategy. It is about interpretation. It is about persuasion. And it is about ethical responsibility; and Law is dynamic.

AI does not represent clients in court. AI does not negotiate complex human dynamics. AI does not exercise discretion guided by professional conscience. Lawyers do. That said, the Lawyers who ignore AI will struggle. The Lawyers who understand and deploy AI intelligently, will thrive. The future belongs to, practitioners who combine legal reasoning with technological evolution.

The real risk is not that AI will replace Lawyers. The real risk is that some Lawyers may resist innovation, while others become over-reliant and disengage their critical thinking. Both extremes are problematic. We must approach AI as an enhancement tool, not a substitute for competence. It should improve efficiency, reduce cost, and expand access to justice. But, the responsibility for advice, strategy, and ethical judgement must always remain with the Lawyer. In fact, I see AI as an opportunity for Nigerian Lawyers. It levels the playing field. A solo practitioner, with the right tools, can now access research capabilities that were once available only to large firms. It liberalises access to resources.

So, no, I do not share the fear. I see opportunity. AI will help those who are prepared to work intelligently — those willing to learn, adapt, and integrate technology into their practice, without surrendering professional responsibility. The profession is not being replaced. It is being upgraded. And, we must rise to meet that upgrade.

Encroachment into core areas of legal practice is not merely a professional concern; it is fundamentally a rule-of-law issue. Under the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct 2023, certain services remain the exclusive preserve of enrolled legal practitioners. These include advocacy, preparation of court processes, drafting of instruments that create, transfer or extinguish legal rights, legal advisory and opinion work, probate documentation, and compliance structuring that requires the interpretation and application of legal principles

In recent years, we have seen increasing incursions into areas such as conveyancing, incorporation services, will drafting, regulatory compliance advisory, and automated documentation platforms. The governing principle remains clear: where an activity involves the application of legal skill or the creation of legal rights and obligations, it falls within the domain of qualified legal practitioners.

The role of the NBA-Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) must therefore be proactive, coordinated, and sustained.

First, on enforcement and advocacy: the NBA-SLP has, in the past, formally engaged banks and other institutions that were undertaking activities amounting to legal practice, calling on them to desist from such conduct. These interventions underscore the Section’s commitment to protecting the boundaries of legal practice, and ensuring compliance with existing law. While formal disciplinary and prosecutorial authority rests with the broader NBA and relevant statutory bodies, the NBA-SLP plays a critical role in initiating dialogue, raising institutional awareness, and triggering appropriate regulatory attention where necessary.

 Second, institutional validation remains essential. The NBA-SLP National Law Firm Directory (NFLD) recently announced by the NBA-Section on Legal Practice, provides an authoritative verification mechanism for licensed law firms. By strengthening public access to verified practitioners, the Directory reduces the opportunity for unauthorised actors to present themselves as legitimate providers of legal services.

Third, professional competitiveness must not be overlooked. Encroachment often gains ground where legal services are perceived as inefficient, inaccessible, or resistant to innovation. Through continuous capacity-building programmes, technology adoption initiatives, and practice management reforms, the NBA-SLP equips Lawyers to deliver efficient, modern, and client-responsive services that naturally shrink the space for unauthorised practice.

Ultimately, addressing encroachment requires a three-pronged approach: active engagement and regulatory advocacy, institutional strengthening, and continuous professional reform. The objective is not protectionism; it is public protection. Legal rights and obligations carry profound consequences, and those entrusted with creating or interpreting them must be properly trained, regulated, and accountable.

In recent times, we have observed the gradual but steady inflow of foreign Lawyers into our jurisdiction, in one guise or the other. Has anything been done to stop this, and protect the incomes of Nigerian Lawyers?

The Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) clearly defines who may practice law in Nigeria, reserving all core legal functions for enrolled Nigerian Lawyers. Foreign Lawyers are not permitted to perform these functions independently.

However, what we are observing recently are subtle partnerships or alliances between Nigerian law firms and global firms — such as DLA Piper, ACAS, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, or Nigerian firms joining the Africa Legal Network (ALN). These arrangements are often structured to allow knowledge sharing, referrals, and collaboration across jurisdictions, rather than direct practice of Nigerian law by foreign Lawyers.

While these partnerships can enhance global reach and cross-border practice for Nigerian firms, they must not and cannot circumvent the LPA. Any structure that allows foreign Lawyers to provide Nigerian legal services or appear in Nigerian courts would be a breach of the law, and the NBA and NBA-SLP monitor these developments closely. In fact, the Section has issued cease-and-desist letters, where institutional arrangements or collaborations are found to conflict with the Rules of Professional Conduct or the LPA.

From an economic standpoint, NBA-SLP is concerned with protecting the professional and financial interests of Nigerian Lawyers. By actively regulating alliances, engaging with institutions, and promoting compliance, we ensure that foreign partnerships support, rather than undermine, the market for Nigerian Lawyers.

At the same time, the Section recognises that Nigerian Lawyers must remain competitive and relevant. We provide training, capacity-building, and exposure to modern legal practice, so that Nigerian Lawyers are the preferred choice for both domestic and international clients. In this way, we combine regulatory vigilance with professional empowerment.

Recently, it was in the news that the Court of Appeal set aside a ruling of the Supreme Court, in the bail matter involving a Lawyer, Fred Ajudua. Is this possible? Many Lawyers were perplexed. Kindly, shed some light on this

The general position of the law is that a judgement or ruling of the Supreme Court is final and binding on all courts, as provided under Section 235 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended):

“Without prejudice to the powers of the President or of the Governor of a State with respect to the Prerogative of Mercy, no appeal shall lie to any other body or person from any determination of the Supreme Court.”

In the case of Fred Ajudua, he is standing trial before the Lagos State High Court on multiple counts of fraud. In 2018, he was granted bail by the Court of Appeal. In May 2025, the Supreme Court revoked that bail, and ordered that the matter be tried de novo.

Following the Supreme Court’s revocation, Ajudua, through his Counsel, filed a fresh application for bail before the Lagos State High Court. The Court refused the application, holding that the Supreme Court’s revocation barred any further application for bail.

The Defendant then appealed against the High Court’s refusal, and the Court of Appeal disagreed with the Trial Court’s interpretation. The appellate court held that the Supreme Court’s revocation of the earlier bail did not prevent a fresh application for bail, particularly where new or exceptional circumstances were presented. Consequently, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and granted bail.

The critical question is: did the Court of Appeal set aside the Supreme Court’s ruling? In my view, it did not. The Court of Appeal was addressing a fresh application, and was careful to clarify that the Trial Court had misinterpreted the Supreme Court’s decision. The appellate court did not sit as a court of appeal over the Supreme Court; it merely corrected a lower court’s misapplication of the Supreme Court’s judgement.

This case highlights the importance of professionalism and ethical reporting in the media. Several media houses misreported the Court of Appeal’s decision as “overruling” the Supreme Court, which is inaccurate and misleading. Journalists should seek clarification from qualified legal professionals before publishing reports on complex legal matters, to ensure the public receives accurate information.

 As the 2027 general elections are almost upon us, will the NBA-SLP be having any workshops to sensitise Lawyers on the amended Electoral Act and the challenges that may ensue in litigation?

Most certainly. This is an area of critical importance, not just to Lawyers, but to the nation as a whole. Election cycles inevitably raise complex legal questions, and the amended Electoral Act contains provisions that require careful interpretation and strategic understanding. As practitioners, we cannot approach election-related litigation casually or reactively; preparation is key.

 The Section on Legal Practice recognises this responsibility. We plan to organise focused workshops and technical sessions that will examine the amendments in detail, analyse likely areas of contention, and explore emerging jurisprudence from recent electoral cases. These sessions will be practical, litigation-oriented engagements designed to equip Lawyers for the realities of election petitions and related disputes.

Beyond litigation strategy, this initiative is part of our broader mandate to strengthen professional competence and uphold the rule of law. Elections are defining moments for any democracy, and Lawyers engaged in electoral matters must be grounded, not only in the letter of the law, but also in its constitutional spirit.

Summarily, the NBA-SLP will provide platforms for rigorous engagement, expert dialogue, and knowledge sharing, ensuring that Lawyers are fully prepared for the legal challenges of 2027. The integrity of the electoral process is intertwined with the quality of legal representation it receives, and as a Section, we take that responsibility seriously.

Thank you, Learned Silk.