Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Sunday, joined prominent legal minds at the opening of the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The event attracted renowned scholars, economists, and policymakers from within and beyond Nigeria, all converging to discuss the vital issue of the social contract between the government and its citizens. The deliberations focused on ways to alleviate the current economic challenges and ensure the well-being of Nigerians.

President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, officially declared the conference open. In his address, the Vice President urged Nigerians to unite in support of the President’s efforts to rebuild the country. He highlighted the significant steps taken by the administration, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and other critical reforms, aimed at curbing corruption and setting the nation on a path of sustained growth and development.

Vice President Shettima also commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its landmark ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, emphasizing that it would bring much-needed development to the grassroots. He pointed out that the legal profession has a great role in ensuring that these reforms benefit all Nigerians.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Pressing Forward: A Social Contract with Nigerians,” Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, called on the legal community to hold politicians accountable for any breaches of the social contract. She expressed concern that Nigeria was yet to reach its full potential and stressed the importance of deep reflection and concerted efforts to address the nation’s pressing challenges.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala praised the current administration’s initiatives to diversify Nigeria’s exports but cautioned against allowing politics to dictate policy frameworks. She urged all stakeholders to prioritize the nation’s economic recovery over political interests.

Governor Mutfwang, in his remarks, lauded Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as a model of excellence whose achievements are worthy of emulation for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria’s economy.

He also expressed gratitude to the NBA for choosing Plateau State as the host of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting earlier in the year and expressed Plateau’s readiness to host the Annual General Conference of the Bar in the future.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leading Plateau State with integrity and ensuring that the social contract with the people of the state is fulfilled. He assured participants that these efforts would contribute positively to the broader national discourse on governance and accountability.

Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages at the conference included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (represented), the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, Attorney General of the Federation Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, and the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Commissioner in Western Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke SAN, among others.

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Gov. Mutfwang Vows to Strengthen Social Contract With Citizens as He Joins Vice President Shettima, Okonjo-Iweala at NBA Conference