2023 NBA Conference: Unpaid Vendors Threaten Protest

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is currently facing public ridicule following its failure to pay vendors who provided services at last year’s annual general conference of the association.

Amongst hundreds of vendors that were recruited for the convention held between August 25- September 1, 2023, less than 30 have been paid for their services running into millions of naira.

Some of the affected vendors have therefore threatened to occupy the NBA secretariat in Abuja if their entitlements are not paid within the shortest time.

The affected vendors who made this known in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday said they have no option than to embrace protest as the NBA president has stopped communicating to them about the situation, leaving them with no option than to seek for self-help.

The letter signed by TentDeluxe Entertainment Limited, Complete Event Ltd, Events Inspiration Ltd and TFK Links Nig. Ltd on behalf of other vendors reads in apart:

“It is with deep regret that we address the public regarding the ongoing issue of unpaid vendors who provided essential services at the last Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association which was held six months ago (25th August – 1st September, 2023).

“Despite numerous appeals and an official letter written to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Y.C Maikyau (SAN), he has refused to settle the vendors.

“This disregard for contractual obligations has severely affected the businesses of vendors, who played an integral role in the success of the conference and who are now left in a precarious situation, facing financial distress and uncertainties due to the refusal of the NBA president to disburse funds for settlement since the success of the NBA Conference in 2023.

“This situation does not only contradict the principles of fairness and justice which the judiciary represents, but also tends to reflect poorly on the integrity and the long-earned reputation of the Nigerian Bar Association. In light of this, we appeal to the esteemed Body of Benchers, past Presidents of the NBA, The Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation to wade in on this matter. We believe strongly that their interventions will ensure a fair resolution to this issue, safeguard the affected business owners and protect the integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association.

“We hereby wish to inform the President of the NBA that if the outstanding debts are not settled within the next three days from the day of this press release, the family and staff of the affected vendors, supported by concerned members of the legal community and well-meaning Nigerians will be compelled to initiate a peaceful protest to occupy the NBA secretariat. Additionally, there is a looming possibility of shutdown of activities at the secretariat to draw attention to the urgency of this matter.

“We, therefore, issue a heartfelt plea to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to expedite the payment process within the next three days. Failure to address this matter promptly will regrettably force affected parties to activate their recovery plan.

“The Nigerian Bar Association has always been a symbol of justice, fairness, and integrity. Some of the affected vendors have served under the leadership of the past NBA presidents, who were very transparent and never had issues with fulfilling their financial obligations. We hope that this matter will be swiftly resolved to uphold the principles that the NBA stands for.”

LEADERSHIP gathered that the NBA president first promised to offset the vendor’s debts by October last year which did not materialise, and afterwards, promised December which also failed to come to fruition.

The event planner who coordinated the duties of the vendors, Mrs. Omolola Oladimeji also said the NBA are yet to pay her dues. “I too have been waiting for my dues. Though, I can’t speak on behalf of the NBA, but I heard that they have paid 25 of the vendors. They have promised to pay me before the next national conference,” she added.