The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that the ₦300 million it got from the Rivers State Government was a free and non-refundable gift. It said the money was not payment for any hosting rights for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC). This follows a request by the Rivers Government, which asked the NBA to refund the money after the conference venue was moved to Enugu.
NBA Says Rivers Did Not Buy AGC Hosting Rights
The NBA explained that its planning committee picked Port Harcourt as the original host city in August 2024. But that decision was never based on bidding or payment. It said: “There is no such thing as hosting rights. The NBA does not offer or sell rights to host the AGC. No city pays to host it.”
The NBA further explained that it often receives financial help from state governments, companies, and agencies. These sponsors support the conference as a form of partnership, not as payment to influence where the conference takes place. It said the ₦300 million from Rivers State was given as a gift to support the 2025 NBA AGC, not as a deal or contract.
NBA Won’t Return Money, Plans World-Class Conference
In a statement signed by Emeka Obegolu (SAN), Chair of the AGC 2025 Planning Committee, the NBA insisted the money from Rivers was not tied to hosting rights. He said: “The conference is being planned as a top-level event for all members of the Bar. We will not be dragged into any political drama.”
The NBA also said it has a duty to protect democratic values. It had earlier criticized the Sole Administrator of Rivers, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for acting outside the law and ignoring ongoing court cases.
NBA Stands Firm on AGC Support and Venue Choice
The NBA has made it clear that the ₦300 million was a goodwill donation from the Rivers State Government. It said the support was similar to what other states and organisations have given in the past. The association will not refund the money because it was never a payment for AGC hosting rights. With Enugu now hosting the 2025 NBA AGC, the NBA says it remains focused on delivering a world-class event.
