- Fagbemi pledges support as African Bar says Nigeria’s host status deserves a befitting headquarters nearly three decades after original secretariat was taken over
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has pledged support for the African Bar Association’s renewed push to establish a permanent headquarters in Abuja, backing efforts to provide Africa’s foremost body of lawyers with what he described as a property it can truly call its own.
Fagbemi gave the assurance on Friday while receiving the leadership of the African Bar Association (AFBA), led by its President, High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja.
The meeting focused largely on AFBA’s long-standing quest for a permanent secretariat in Nigeria, the association’s preparations for its 2026 Annual Conference in Cape Verde, and ongoing engagements with key Nigerian institutions ahead of the continental gathering.
Although AFBA’s permanent secretariat is officially domiciled in Nigeria, Mark told the Attorney-General that the continental body still operates without a permanent physical headquarters and appealed for the Federal Government’s support in providing a befitting secretariat in the nation’s capital.
Responding, Fagbemi, who has been a Life Member of the African Bar Association since 2017, assured the delegation of his support.
“You are not yourself until you have a property you call your own,” the Attorney-General said, while also pledging to attend and support the association’s forthcoming annual conference.
He commended AFBA for rotating its annual conferences among African countries, saying the practice promotes inclusiveness and gives members across the continent a stronger sense of ownership.
A decades-old issue
AFBA’s request is rooted in a history stretching back more than three decades.
According to a memorandum previously submitted to President Bola Tinubu through the Attorney-General, Nigeria agreed in 1991 to host the Association’s permanent headquarters following an AFBA conference in Abuja. The Federal Government subsequently handed over a purpose-built secretariat at Plot 2031, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, in January 1995 in fulfilment of that commitment.
The Association, however, said the building was taken over by the Federal Government in 1996 on what it described as a temporary basis following internal challenges within the organisation. AFBA maintains that the property has remained occupied by a government agency for almost three decades without the conditions attached to the temporary takeover being fulfilled.
The continental body further stated that after resolving its internal challenges, it resumed full operations but has continued to function from rented accommodation while seeking the return of its permanent headquarters.
AFBA argued that restoring the secretariat would reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to hosting one of Africa’s oldest continental legal organisations and strengthen Abuja’s position as a hub for legal diplomacy and continental engagement.
Conference to focus on security, economy and legal reforms
Mark also briefed the Attorney-General on preparations for AFBA’s 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled for September 20 to 24 in Cape Verde.
He disclosed that the association has extended invitations to several Nigerian institutions, including the Minister of Finance, who is expected to lead a dedicated session on Nigeria’s tax reforms and their implications for investment and economic competitiveness.
According to him, the session is intended to provide investors and the international business community with greater insight into Nigeria’s evolving fiscal framework and demonstrate the country’s commitment to improving the business environment.
Mark also informed the Attorney-General that the Association had begun consultations with major security institutions, including the Nigerian Navy, as part of preparations for the conference, which will examine issues of security, economic stability and sustainable development across Africa.
Fagbemi welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting both the conference and the Association’s broader objectives.
Other members of the delegation included Prof. Agbo Madaki, Major General Shalangwa, Mimi Ayua, Teyojesam Eko and Lillian Okenwa.
