Past chairmen of the association were:
Christopher Sapara Williams (1900–1915)
Sir Kitoyi Ajasa (1915–1937)
Eric Olawale Moore (1937–1944)
E.J. Alex Taylor (1944–1950)
Sir Adeyemo Alakija (1950–1952)
Jubril Martin (1952–1959)
Presidents of the Bar Association, who had the same authority as the former Chairmen, were:
Frederick Rotimi Williams (1960–1968)
Peter Thomas (1968–1969)
Chief B.M. Boyo (1969–1970)
Chief Richard Akinjide (1970–1973)
Chief Adebayo Ogunsanya (1973–1974)
Dr. Mudiaga Odje (1974–1975)
Dr. Nwakanma Okoro (1976–1978)
Chief B.O. Benson (1978–1980)
Chief Adetunji Fadairo (1980–1982)
A.N. Anyamene (1982–1984)
Prince Bola Ajibola, (1984–1985)
Ebele Nwokoye (1985–1987)
Alao Aka-Bashorun (1987–1989)
Charles Idehen (1989–1991)
Chief Clement Akpamgbo (1991–1992)
Priscilla Kuye (1991–1992)
Between 1992 and 1998 the NBA had no president, functioning only in branches.
After the crisis, presidents were:
Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, SAN (1998–2000)
O.C.J. Okocha, SAN (2000–2002)
Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN (2002–2004)
Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN (2004–2005)
Prince Lanke Odogiyon (2005–2006)
Olisa Agbakoba (2006–2008)
Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN (2008–2010)
Joseph Bodurin Daudu, SAN (2010–2012)
Okey Wali, SAN (2012–2014)
Augustine Alegeh, SAN (2014–2016)
Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (AB Mahmoud), SAN (2016–2018)
Paul Usoro, SAN (2018–2020)
Olumide Akpata, (2020–2022)
Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (2022–present)
