Enforcement Of Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order: Obegolu Urges State Attorneys General Compliance
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has led the NBA Remuneration Committee in urging State Attorneys General to enforce the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023. Obegolu sent a letter on February 25, 2025, demanding strict compliance with the Order. He stressed that the Order ensures fair fees for legal services across Nigeria.
Obegolu said the Order regulates fees for property transactions, advisory services, and other legal work. He argued that non-compliance undermines the legal profession and damages its reputation. Obegolu called on State Attorneys General to instruct all MDAs to apply the prescribed remuneration structure. He warned that any breach would attract regulatory action.
The NBA Remuneration Committee highlights that the Order came into effect on May 16, 2023, after the Attorney General of the Federation signed it. Obegolu explained that Section 15(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act empowers the Bar Council to regulate fees. He noted that Article 1(2) of the Order prevents lawyers from accepting fees lower than the prescribed minimum. He also cited Article 8(1) which requires lawyers to charge fees in line with the Order for legal engagements.
Obegolu urged government institutions to integrate the Order into their operational policies. He encouraged legal practitioners to report any breaches directly to the appropriate authorities. He promised the NBA Remuneration Committee would work closely with stakeholders to promote transparency and accountability in legal fee practices.
Obegolu called for continuous professional development in the field of remuneration. He said that enforcing the Order would help sustain the integrity of the legal profession and ensure that lawyers receive fair compensation. Stakeholders seeking more details could contact the Committee at nbaremunerationc@nigerianbar.org.ng or call Rachael Princewill on 0817 815 6933.
Obegolu concluded by emphasizing that the Order is vital to maintaining justice and fairness in legal practice. The NBA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of remuneration and ensuring that all legal practitioners benefit from a consistent and fair fee structure.
