THIS DAWN — The Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA‑SPIDEL) has inaugurated a new Public Interest Litigation Committee, led by respected senior lawyers Mba Ukweni SAN as Chair, Bulus Atsen as Alternate Chair, and J.S. Okutepa SAN as Advisor.
The committee is tasked with strengthening the role of the legal profession in defending citizens’ rights and holding government accountable.
A Timely Intervention
The NBA‑SPIDEL announced the constitution of the committee in December 2025, describing it as a crucial step toward revitalizing public interest litigation in Nigeria. With growing concerns about governance, human rights abuses, and systemic failures, the committee is expected to serve as a frontline mechanism for protecting the voiceless and ensuring justice.
Public interest litigation (PIL) has long been recognized as a vital tool for advancing democracy and social justice. By empowering lawyers to challenge unlawful government actions, defend marginalized groups, and promote accountability, PIL helps bridge the gap between constitutional ideals and everyday realities.
Leadership and Composition
At the helm of the committee is Mba Ukweni SAN, a seasoned advocate known for his principled stance on constitutional law and governance. He is supported by Bulus Atsen, former Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, who serves as Alternate Chair. Providing strategic guidance is J.S. Okutepa SAN, widely respected for his fearless advocacy and commitment to justice.
Together, this leadership team brings decades of experience in litigation, advocacy, and reform. Their appointment signals NBA‑SPIDEL’s determination to ensure that the committee is not merely symbolic but capable of delivering tangible impact.
Mandate and Objectives
The committee’s mandate includes:
- Challenging abuses of power by government institutions and officials.
- Defending fundamental rights of citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
- Promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
- Developing strategic litigation frameworks that can set precedents for systemic reform.
- Collaborating with civil society organizations to amplify advocacy and impact.
NBA‑SPIDEL leaders emphasized that the committee is entrusted “not just with cases, but with causes.” This underscores the moral dimension of public interest litigation, which goes beyond technical legal battles to address broader societal injustices.
Odinkalu Urges Steadfastness
Renowned human rights advocate and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has urged the newly inaugurated Public Interest Litigation Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA‑SPIDEL) to ensure its activities remain firmly aligned with the broader objectives of the Association.
Delivering his remarks at the inauguration ceremony presided over by NBA‑SPIDEL Chair, Prof. Uju Agomoh, Odinkalu—who authored the Concept Paper that inspired the creation of SPIDEL under the Olisa Agbakoba-led NBA administration—cautioned that the section must not pursue an agenda outside the Association’s established framework.
He emphasized that SPIDEL was conceived as a supportive arm to help the NBA advance its overarching mission of promoting the rule of law. While acknowledging that the committee’s effectiveness might often be judged by the adversaries it confronts, Odinkalu stressed a critical caveat: “One enemy you must not make is the NBA leadership.”
Why It Matters Now
Nigeria faces mounting challenges: insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, and declining public trust in institutions. Citizens often feel powerless in the face of government failures, while the judiciary struggles with delays and resource constraints. In this context, a strong public interest litigation framework is essential.
By mobilizing senior lawyers to take on high‑impact cases, the committee can help restore confidence in the justice system. It can also serve as a deterrent against impunity, reminding public officials that their actions are subject to legal scrutiny.
Reactions from the Legal Community
Legal experts and civil society groups have welcomed the move. Former NBA President Olisa Agbakoba SAN has long advocated for strengthening PIL as a means of advancing development law. Similarly, human rights activists argue that the committee could become a powerful ally in campaigns against unlawful detentions, electoral malpractice, and violations of freedom of expression.
Critics, however, caution that the committee must avoid politicization. They stress the importance of maintaining independence and focusing on genuine public interest cases rather than partisan disputes.
Roadmap for Action
According to reports, the committee will begin by identifying priority areas where litigation can make the greatest impact. These may include:
- Electoral integrity and democratic processes.
- Police brutality and security sector accountability.
- Environmental justice, particularly in oil‑producing regions.
- Access to healthcare and education.
- Anti‑corruption enforcement.
NBA‑SPIDEL has also pledged to provide resources and training to support the committee’s work, ensuring that cases are pursued strategically and effectively.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the NBA‑SPIDEL Public Interest Litigation Committee marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s legal landscape. With Mba Ukweni SAN, Bulus Atsen, and J.S. Okutepa SAN at the helm, the committee is poised to champion the rights of citizens and confront systemic injustices.
At a time when Nigeria urgently needs credible institutions to defend democracy and protect the vulnerable, this initiative offers hope that the law can indeed speak for the voiceless.
