Afam Osigwe, SAN: A visionary at the helm of the NBA

Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, is a renowned Nigerian legal practitioner, thought leader, and reform advocate who currently serves as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, legal development, and the empowerment of lawyers, particularly young and upcoming professionals.

Profile overview

Name: Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe

Born: October 25, 1972

Place of birth: Nnewi, Anambra

Education: University of Nigeria

Relationship status: Married

Career: Lawyer

Background

Born on October 25, 1972, in Nnewi, Anambra State, Afam Osigwe embarked on his legal journey at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, where he earned his law degree in 1997.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and began his career at Chike Chigbue & Co., Abuja.

In 2002, driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a vision to make a difference, he founded his own firm, LAW FORTE – Legal Practitioners, Corporate Consultants, and Notary Public.

Afam’s academic and professional development is marked by global distinction.

In 2006, he became a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Keble College, Oxford, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

He earned a Master’s degree in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Jos and another LL.M in Transnational Commercial Practice from the Centre for International Legal Studies, Austria, in collaboration with Lazarski University, Poland. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.

Legal career

Afam Osigwe’s expertise cuts across multiple areas of legal practice, including Corporate and Business Law, Land Law, Banking Law, Intellectual Property, Telecommunications, Energy, Oil and Gas Law, and both Domestic and International Arbitration.

He has served as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser for numerous companies and worked closely with international law firms on business law issues.

His flair for commercial and financial practice, coupled with a deep understanding of international legal dynamics, has made him a sought-after legal expert.

As a litigator and arbitrator, he has handled numerous complex disputes and served as counsel, sole arbitrator, or tribunal member in several arbitration proceedings.

NBA leadership

Afam Osigwe has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

He served as Publicity Secretary of the NBA Abuja Branch (2006–2008) and later as Chairman (2010–2012), during which the branch hosted a NEC Meeting, Delegates Conference, and the NBA Annual General Conference.

His tenure witnessed the creation of Bwari and Gwagwalada Branches, making him the first Chairman of Chairmen of NBA branches within the FCT in 2012.

In 2014, Afam was sworn in as General Secretary of the NBA under President Augustine Alegeh, SAN. His tenure recorded several landmark achievements including:

– Implementation of the NBA personalized adhesive stamp.

– Introduction of e-voting and universal suffrage in NBA elections.

– Launch of a unified NBA ID card (Bar Card) with multiple functionalities.

– Automatic insurance cover for lawyers paying their practicing fees.

– Advocacy for reduced fees at the NBA Annual General Conference.

– Completion of the NBA House project in Abuja.

Afam’s leadership style is inclusive and progressive, always seeking to anticipate challenges and deliver practical solutions.

In 2024, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, was elected as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), a position he merited through years of consistent service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the legal profession.

National and international engagements

Afam has represented the NBA and Nigeria on various platforms, including:

– Presenting papers at NBA Annual General Conferences since 2011.

– Speaking at the International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Vienna in 2015 on legal ethics and self-regulation.

– Participating actively in Law Week events across different NBA branches.

Committees and community service

Afam has served on several NBA committees, including:

– Law Reporting Committee, Bar Dinner/Awards Committee, and Continuing Legal Education Committee.

– LOCs for NEC meetings and Annual Conferences.

– FCT High Court Review Committees on Civil Procedure Rules and ADR Laws.

Beyond the NBA, Afam has offered pro bono legal representation to indigent clients and served his community through his town union, where he held roles as Secretary and Deputy Legal Adviser.

He was also a prosecutor at the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (2012–2014).

Personal life

Afam Osigwe is married to his university sweetheart, Ukamaka Osigwe, LL.M (Turin), and they are blessed with three children: Chilbuzor, Chiemelie, and Chidumebi.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN with wife and children

He is also a foster father to his late brother’s daughter, Amarachukwu. His hobbies include reading, research, writing, sightseeing, and photography.

Professional affiliations

Afam is a respected member of:

– The Body of Benchers.

– The Council of Legal Education.

– The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

– International Bar Association (IBA).

– Nigerian Institute of Management.

– Institute of Chartered Mediators & Conciliators.

– Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).