The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee has called on all Local Government Authorities to ensure strict compliance with the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023, which came into force on May 16, 2023. The Committee emphasized the importance of adherence to the prescribed professional fees to maintain fairness, transparency, and consistency in legal service delivery.  

In a formal communication to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kebbi State, Bello Marshall Junaidu, Esq., the Chairman of the NBA Remuneration Committee, Chief Emeka Obegolu, PhD, SAN, highlighted the critical role of the Order in regulating fees chargeable by legal practitioners. The regulation covers various legal services, including property transactions, advisory services, and other professional engagements.  

The NBA stressed that compliance is essential to prevent the underpricing of legal work, which could undermine professional standards. Local Government Authorities were urged to recognize and uphold the prescribed remuneration structure in all dealings that involve legal documentation, consultations, property transactions, and advisory services. Additionally, they must ensure that all legal practitioners engaged by government institutions adhere to the provisions of the Order to avoid potential legal liabilities.  

Citing key provisions of the Order, the NBA reminded practitioners that under Article 1(2), no legal practitioner is permitted to accept fees lower than the prescribed minimum for any service rendered. Article 8(1) further mandates that lawyers engaged in property transactions, advisory services, and related legal work must comply strictly with the Order’s provisions.  

The NBA called on the Attorney General to inform Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within Kebbi State about the Order and enforce compliance. It warned that violations could result in regulatory action, as the Order derives its authority from Section 15(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act.  

Reaffirming its commitment to professional development and regulatory compliance, the NBA urged all relevant stakeholders to incorporate the Order’s provisions into their operational frameworks. The Committee also provided contact details for further clarifications on the Order’s implications.  

Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, expressed confidence that adherence to the Remuneration Order would strengthen the legal profession and uphold its integrity.