NBA mandates 12 CLE units yearly for lawyer license renewal from Jan 2025
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) mandates 12 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) units annually for lawyers to renew practicing licenses, effective January 1, 2025. Approximately 100,000 Nigerian lawyers nationwide must complete approved CLE programs or risk inability to renew licenses starting next year.
NBA President Hauwa Shekarau announced the requirement, stating it ensures continuous professional development. Lawyers must enroll in NBA-approved programs, which typically involve seminar fees and time commitment. While exact costs aren't specified, historical CLE unit prices range from ₦20,000-₦50,000, suggesting annual expenses of approximately ₦240,000-₦600,000.
This affects all practicing lawyers from Lagos to Maiduguri, requiring proactive planning for both time and financial resources. Failure to comply results in automatic ineligibility for license renewal regardless of other requirements being met.
Will you budget approximately ₦240,000-₦600,000 annually for CLE starting January 2025, or risk losing your license to practice law in Nigeria?