The Nigerian Bar Association, through its Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBAICLE), has warned that all Lawyers must follow the 2025 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) rules, or they’ll lose their annual practicing licence and NBA stamp in 2026. In a Notice dated June 11, 2025, NBAICLE leaders Prof Festus Emiri, SAN, and Prof C.V. Odoeme urged Lawyers to meet the requirement of at least five Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits each year. This move is part of the NBA’s goal to raise legal standards and match global best practices. 

Credits can be earned by attending NBA Annual Conferences, Branch CPD events, NBAICLE webinars, or publishing approved articles in NBA journals. 

From the 2026 legal year, only compliant Lawyers with valid CPD hours and paid fees will receive their licenses and NBA stamps – essential for filing court papers and representing clients. Experts highlight that regular CPD sharpens Lawyers’ skills, keeps them up-to-date, and boosts their confidence and competitiveness. It’s not just about renewing licences, it’s about professional growth, adapting to legal changes, and improving client service.The NBAICLE has responded by launching many training options, live courses, seminars, online classes to make it easier for Lawyers to meet requirements. Lawyers can register via www.nbaicle.org or contact the team via icle@nigerianbar.org.ng. If a Lawyer doesn’t comply, their name will be omitted from the practising list, and they’ll be barred from legal duties such as signing documents or filing court cases under relevant Professional Conduct rules. 

The NBA strongly advises Lawyers to act now: check MCPD rules, sign up for approved programs, collect your CPD hours, pay your fees, and avoid being shut out of practice. Ultimately, the MCPD programme reflects a global trend toward continuous learning. 

As one law commentator notes, “Continuing legal education is vital, to ensure Lawyers remain competent and competitive”, a view the NBA clearly supports.

​