The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, has called on legal practitioners and members of the judiciary to adapt to technological advancements or risk losing relevance in a fast-changing professional landscape.
Osigwe made this appeal on Wednesday in Jalingo, Taraba State, during the NBA Law Week 2026. He emphasised the urgency for the legal profession to evolve in line with global developments, noting that technology has already reshaped legal practice across the world.
He cautioned that lawyers who resist change may find themselves sidelined as innovation continues to redefine how legal services are delivered.
“The world is changing and the legal profession must be prepared for the changing times. We cannot continue to do things the way we used to do,” he said.
Reflecting on past transitions, Osigwe highlighted the shift from typewriters to computers and digital communication, adding that newer technologies now provide opportunities to streamline legal processes and boost efficiency.
He pointed to the collapse of major global companies such as Nokia and IBM as examples of what can happen when organisations fail to innovate.
“Nokia dominated the mobile phone industry at a time, but it failed because it refused to innovate. The legal profession must learn from that,” he said.
Osigwe also encouraged the use of digital tools, particularly electronic filing systems, noting that such innovations could significantly reduce the workload for lawyers and judges, especially in document-heavy cases like election petitions.
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Beyond professional development, he expressed concern over health challenges within the legal community, linking incidents of sudden death among lawyers to stress and high blood pressure. He urged practitioners to pay closer attention to their well-being.
He further praised the NBA Jalingo Branch for its commitment to national activities.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Nnamdi Dimgba, also stressed the importance of embracing technology, continuous education, and mentorship within the profession.
Speaking on the theme, “Raising the Bar: Equipping Lawyers for the Modern Legal Landscape,” Dimgba said future lawyers must blend ethical standards with digital skills, describing them as hybrid professionals.
He observed that modern legal practice increasingly demands familiarity with areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data protection, and digital evidence, while underscoring the importance of sound judgment when using AI tools.
“The day you stop learning is the day you begin your professional retirement,” he said, urging senior lawyers to embrace mentorship, including reverse mentorship with younger practitioners.
Dimgba also identified key challenges facing the profession, including weak institutional systems, inadequate mentorship structures, and slow adoption of technology. He called for reforms to address these issues.
The Law Week event drew participants from Taraba and several other states, including Niger, Gombe, Adamawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory.