NLS calls for stronger legal frameworks to tackle Africa’s security and economic challenges

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks to address Africa’s growing security challenges and promote sustainable economic development across the continent.
The NLS made the call in a solidarity message to the African Bar Association (AfBA) on the occasion of its 2026 Annual Conference holding in Sal, Cape Verde, from September 20 to 24.
The conference has as its theme, “Resilient Africa’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development: Addressing and Strengthening Issues of Military, Security and Economic Stability.”
In the message signed by its President, Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, Bencher, the NLS said Africa’s quest to silence the guns remained largely unfulfilled, citing terrorism, armed banditry, mass kidnapping and unconstitutional seizures of power among the challenges threatening peace and development.
The society said the insecurity had displaced millions of Africans, discouraged investment and deprived young people of jobs and economic opportunities.
It, however, stressed that insecurity should not be viewed solely as a military challenge, arguing that it was also fundamentally a constitutional and rule-of-law issue.
According to the NLS, insecurity thrives in environments where institutions are weak, the rule of law is disregarded and accountability is compromised.
“Peace is the fruit of justice, and justice is the business of lawyers,” the society stated.
The NLS also linked security to economic stability, noting that illicit financial flows, money laundering and the diversion of public resources undermine the funds needed for security and development.
It called for stronger legal frameworks for asset recovery, whistleblower protection and prosecution of economic crimes, alongside transparent procurement systems, enforceable contracts and courts capable of delivering justice without fear or favour.
The society said Africa’s resilience should go beyond the ability to withstand crises, stressing the need to build strong legal, institutional and economic systems capable of absorbing shocks while continuing to serve citizens.
The NLS also reaffirmed its solidarity with the AfBA, recalling the participation of its President, High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, Life Bencher, as Chairman of the NLS 4th Annual General Conference held in July 2026.
It described his participation and message of solidarity as a significant boost to the Nigerian legal profession, adding that he had affirmed that the NLS operated under the protective umbrella of the AfBA.
The society said the relationship between both organisations reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the African legal profession.
It further acknowledged the vision of its Founder, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN, Life Bencher, for a united, pluralistic and vibrant African legal profession working for the common good.
The NLS wished delegates at the AfBA conference fruitful deliberations and expressed its expectation that the outcome would produce practical policies capable of strengthening peace, security and prosperity across Africa.
It also said it looked forward to the final communiqué of the conference, describing it as a potential policy tool for bar associations across the continent.