NBA Remuneration Committee Urges Banks’ Compliance With Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee has formally notified Fidelity Bank PLC of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023, emphasizing the need for compliance with the regulation that standardizes professional legal fees in Nigeria.
The Order, which took effect on May 16, 2023, was signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in his capacity as Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee, pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act (Cap L11, LFN 2004). It establishes a clear framework for determining the professional fees chargeable by legal practitioners across various services, including property transactions, advisory roles, and other legal engagements.
The NBA in a letter to Fidelity Bank signed by the Chairman of the NBA Remuneration Committee, Akajiugo Chief Emeka Obegolu, Ph.D., SAN and its Secretary, Ms Rachael Princewill, highlighted the critical role of the Order in ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in legal practice. It mandates that legal practitioners adhere to prescribed minimum fees, preventing underpricing that could undermine professional standards and service delivery.
The Remuneration Committee urged Fidelity Bank and other corporate entities to:
- Recognize and uphold the stipulated remuneration structure in all legal engagements.
- Ensure that legal services involving agreements, land transactions, and corporate services align with the Order’s provisions.
- Require compliance from all legal practitioners engaged by their institutions to avoid potential legal liabilities.
The NBA emphasized that the Order derives its authority from Section 15(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act, empowering the Bar Council to regulate legal fees. Key provisions include:
- Article 1(2): “A legal practitioner shall not accept fees lower than the prescribed minimum remuneration for any service rendered under this Order.”
- Article 8(1): “A legal practitioner engaged in property transactions, advisory services, or other professional work must ensure that fees charged comply with the provisions of this Order.”
The NBA has urged organizations to strictly enforce compliance, warning that violations could attract regulatory action. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professional standards and supporting continuous compliance with legal regulations.
Stakeholders requiring further clarification on the Order have been directed to contact the NBA Remuneration Committee via email at nbaremunerationc@nigerianbar.org.ng or call 0817 815 6933.
This directive signals the NBA’s ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and ensure fair compensation for legal services across Nigeria.
