NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) has called on the incoming federal and state administrations to prioritize policies promoting inclusivity, protecting small and medium-sized enterprises, expanding the middle class, and prioritizing infrastructure development. In his Workers’ Day message on Monday, he emphasized the need for deliberate measures to safeguard the socioeconomic rights of workers.

Misappropriation and circumvention of subsidies, particularly petrol subsidies, must be treated as economic sabotage and those responsible must be prosecuted, he added. Maikyau praised the resilience of Nigerian workers in the face of national challenges, recognizing the self-employed, sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs whose ingenuity and resourcefulness create employment opportunities despite the current economic difficulties. He emphasized that, with the right tools and incentives, Nigeria will take its rightful place among the world’s nations.

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At the inaugural NBA State of the Nation Dialogue in January 2023, discussants identified economic recession as a major contributor to insecurity, brain-drain, high levels of unemployment, and underdevelopment. The NBA is working to address the perennial challenge of employee remuneration through its Remuneration Committee’s recommendations.

Maikyau also mentioned the NBA Employment Bureau, which was created to bridge the legal personnel supply gap in both public and private sectors, stating that the Bureau has been collaborating with various stakeholders in line with its mandate. He urged lawyers to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by the Bureau.

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Maikyau pledged that the NBA would continue to promote continuous professional development, ensuring that legal professionals are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the global market.