The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has denied claims by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, that the state paid N300 million to secure hosting rights for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).

According to NBA’s Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the money received from Rivers State was a gift, not tied to any hosting rights.

Key Points

• Gift, Not Hosting Rights: Obegolu clarified that the NBA approaches organizations and state governments for support, which is usually unconditional and not tied to hosting rights.
• No Bidding Process: The decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was made in August 2024 without a bidding process or payment of hosting rights.
• NBA’s Stance: The association emphasized its commitment to delivering a world-class conference and will not engage in unnecessary controversy over the issue.