Lawyers Call For Regulations To Safeguard NBA’s Digital Stamp
In a move to modernise legal practice across Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) introduced a digital stamp and seal on August 19, 2024, aimed at enhancing efficiency and combating forgery. The digital stamp, integrated with Microsoft Word, is set to replace the manual system, ensuring a seamless process for preparing and filing legal documents. However, legal experts are calling for robust regulations to safeguard the new system.
Former NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), who spearheaded the launch, emphasised that the manual stamp had been prone to forgery, necessitating this shift to a more secure, digital platform. He described the stamp as a symbol of authenticity, backed by licensed legal expertise.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and law professor Damilola Olawuyi praised the innovation as a step in line with global best practices, highlighting its environmental benefits and potential to streamline legal services across geographical boundaries. However, Olawuyi cautioned that clear guidelines are needed to prevent fraud, calling for the NBA to establish regulations similar to those in other countries.
Prof. Sam Erugo (SAN) also welcomed the transition, stressing the importance of proper data handling and security measures to prevent unauthorised use. He noted that while digital forgery is possible, it requires expertise not easily accessible to the average fraudster.
Dr. Yemi Omodele, while acknowledging the benefits of digital stamps, expressed skepticism about their ability to fully address the issue of fake lawyers and forgery, citing concerns about potential cyber threats. He urged the NBA to resolve existing backlogs of physical stamps before fully transitioning to the digital system.
Other legal experts, including Mojeed Oduwole and Babatunde Awe, echoed these concerns, emphasising the need for lawyers to safeguard their access to digital stamps and calling for regular updates to ensure the integrity of the system.
As the NBA moves forward with this digital innovation, many in the legal community are optimistic but remain cautious, urging the association to balance technological advancement with security and regulatory oversight to protect the integrity of the profession.
