The Annual General Conference (AGC) Planning Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has responded to recent statements made by the Rivers State Administrator regarding the hosting rights for NBA AGC 2025. The committee asserts that the Rivers State Government did not pay for any hosting rights for the upcoming conference.
In a statement by the Chairman, 2025 NBA AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN the committee explained that the decision to hold the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was made in August 2024. This decision was not based on a bidding process or any payment for hosting rights. The committee emphasized that the city does not possess exclusive hosting rights, and there was no requirement from the NBA that the conference must take place in a specific location.
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The committee also noted that because of the high costs associated with hosting the AGC, the NBA typically seeks support from various organizations, state governments, and agencies. This support is always offered unconditionally and is not linked to any rights related to the hosting rights for NBA AGC 2025.
Furthermore, the committee pointed out that financial assistance from previous NBA conferences has come from multiple sources, including state governments and corporate entities. This support is often categorized as gifts, partnerships, or sponsorships that align with the NBA’s vision. The contribution from Rivers State was purely a gift and not related to any alleged hosting rights for the NBA AGC.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a top-quality conference for its members and stated that it will not engage in unnecessary disputes regarding this matter.
