“48-Hour Ultimatum Issued” — ABLIF Demands Withdrawal Of NBA Digital Licence, CPD Compliance Notice Over Pending Suit

The Advocacy for Bar Licence Freedom (ABLIF) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), demanding the immediate withdrawal of its recent notice introducing a Digital Practising Licence, Annual Practising List, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Compliance List for legal practitioners.

In a press release dated April 15, 2026, and signed by its National Convener, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, ABLIF described the NBA’s directive as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a direct affront to the authority of the court.

The group argued that the subject matter of the NBA’s notice is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2241/2025, filed by Christabel Zoe Ayuk and 11 others against the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA and four others, and presided over by Justice B.F.M. Nyako.

According to ABLIF, the suit challenges critical issues including the legality of the NBA’s purported practising licence regime, the imposition of Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) as a condition for legal practice, the requirement of NBA seal and stamp for validating legal documents, and the broader question of whether the NBA, as a private association, has the authority to regulate or restrict the right of lawyers enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Despite the pendency of the suit, ABLIF accused the NBA of proceeding to implement policies that effectively introduce a parallel licensing framework outside the Legal Practitioners Act.

The group described the move as a calculated attempt to foist a fait accompli on the court and undermine the judicial process.

“It is trite that where a matter is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction, parties are bound to maintain the status quo,” the statement said, adding that the NBA’s action violates the doctrine of lis pendens and erodes confidence in the rule of law.

ABLIF maintained that the right to practise law in Nigeria is governed strictly by the Legal Practitioners Act 2004, stressing that the only recognised conditions for legal practice are enrolment at the Supreme Court and payment of the Annual Practising Fee to the Chief Registrar.

It argued that any additional licensing requirements imposed by the NBA are ultra vires, unconstitutional, null, and void.

While acknowledging the importance of professional development, the group warned against using CPD compliance as a tool for exclusion or control outside statutory authority.

As part of its demands, ABLIF called on the NBA to immediately withdraw the notice relating to the Digital Practising Licence, Annual Practising List, and CPD Compliance List, and to cease further implementation of any policy tied to MCPD compliance pending the determination of the suit.

The group warned that failure to comply within 48 hours would result in legal action, including contempt proceedings against the NBA and its principal officers, as well as applications for injunctive and punitive orders.

ABLIF further stated that it would pursue all lawful means to protect the constitutional and statutory rights of legal practitioners.

“The legal profession must be governed by law, not administrative overreach,” the statement added. “No association, however influential, can assume powers not granted by statute.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and protecting the rights of legal practitioners from what it described as unlawful interference.

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