The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unveiled a new “Smart ID Card” as part of efforts to modernise the legal profession and tackle the issue of impersonation by fake lawyers.
Announcing the initiative, NBA President Afam Osigwe said the digital identification system is designed to provide a secure and verifiable means of confirming the status of legal practitioners across Nigeria.
He explained that the Smart ID Card will simplify identification processes in courts, financial institutions, and official engagements, while also enhancing the professional image of Nigerian lawyers.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond basic identification, serving as a forward-looking tool to strengthen trust, credibility, and recognition within the legal system.
As part of the rollout plan, young lawyers within zero to seven years post-call will receive the card free of charge, while more senior practitioners will be required to pay a processing fee.
The NBA noted that the card will improve access to courts, conferences, and interactions with government agencies, making professional engagements more seamless.
To support implementation, the association has launched an online application portal for members. It also advised early applicants who registered in April to reconfirm their details to ensure proper data capture in the system.
The move, the NBA said, represents a significant step toward building a more technologically driven and secure legal profession, aligning with global standards and the demands of modern legal practice.
