MANDATORY COMPLIANCE WITH NEW NBA-ICLE MCPD RULES FOR PRACTICE LICENCE RENEWAL

The Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) has formally announced the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Rules as approved at the recent NEC Meeting held in Akure, Ondo State. These rules are now effective immediately and carry significant implications for all practicing legal professionals in Nigeria.

This vital reform, spearheaded by the NBA-ICLE Governing Board under the leadership of Prof. Festus Emiri, SAN, is aimed at reinforcing professionalism, ethical compliance, and continuous learning in legal practice.

Key Highlights of the Approved MCPD Rules
Minimum CPD Requirement for Licence Renewal
Every legal practitioner must complete at least 5 CPD hours annually to be eligible for Practice Licence renewal.
These CPD hours must be acquired only through NBA-ICLE-accredited programmes covering legal practice, ethics, and professional development.

Consequences of Non-Compliance
Practitioners who fail to meet the MCPD requirements will not be granted licence renewal.
They shall also be denied access to the NBA Stamp and Seal, effectively preventing them from authenticating legal documents.

Transparency & Public Listing
NBA-ICLE, in partnership with the NBA National Secretariat, will publish an annual list of both compliant and non-compliant lawyers to enhance transparency and ensure integrity within the profession.

Call to Action for All NBA Branches
All NBA branches are hereby directed to:

Sensitize their members immediately on the new MCPD Rules.
Encourage members to enroll in NBA-ICLE-accredited CPD courses before the year ends.
Host MCPD-compliant trainings locally and obtain NBA-ICLE accreditation.
Submit regular reports on CPD compliance through their respective Branch CLE Chairs.
Branches are further encouraged to collaborate actively to ensure full branch-wide compliance and to avoid putting their members at risk of losing practice rights.

For further inquiries or assistance, please contact the NBA-ICLE via:
icle@nigerianbar.org.ng / sarah.ajijola@nigerianbar.org.ng
08039177886

This critical reform reflects the NBA’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, competence, and ethical legal practice across the country.

Signed:
Prof. Festus Emiri, SAN
Chairman, NBA-ICLE Governing Board