OPEN LETTER March 2, 2018 The General Secretary Nigerian Bar Association NBA House Plot 1101, Mohammadu Buhari Way Central Business District Abuja, FCT Dear Sir, CALL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION AND ACTION May I first congratulate you, though prematurely, for proactively and responsibly manning the Secretariat of the Bar for the tenure soon to wind-up. It is indeed an onerous task to occupy and discharge the duties that fall under your office to millions of lawyers in the Country. Well done. Just like the concerns and interest of the Bar are of utmost priority to me, I am much more committed to the concerns and interest of the Young Lawyers. That commitment has informed this letter. I recall I had called on the leadership of the NBA Young Lawyers’ Forum to raise this concern with your office, but I have decided to take responsibility for this. Sir, most of our colleagues all over the country are soaked in the confusion as to what exactly is their age at the Bar due to the multiplicity of opinions on the actual calculation of age at the Bar. I have been privileged to be on some social media platforms where lawyers express varying opinions on this. This confusion has led lawyers, especially those of 4, 9, and 14 years post call, to pay much more than what they ought to pay as Bar Practicing Fees. Some Branches of the NBA have even strengthened the situation by misleading lawyers who are actually 4 years post call to pay N10,000.00 as Bar Practicing Fees, with the mistaken belief that they are 5 years at the Bar. What is worrisome is the fact that even in the face of this confusion and misperception, the NBA has been silent. Hence, I can be absolved of blame if I hastily conclude that the NBA is taking advantage of this confusion, financially and other wise. I therefore call on you Sir, to use your unique office to address this concern and officially communicate the actual and correct calculation or interpretation of age at the Bar or Post Call. I also enjoin your good office to, just like Bar Practicing Fee payments are rejected by the Secretariat and the defaulter communicated, when the payment is below what is obtainable and acceptable, undertake an audit of lawyers who have paid above what is required of them based on their age at the Bar, and remit the excess to the Lawyers. The NBA should take the lead in exhibiting such financial responsibility and transparency. I trust that my call is prioritised and given the attention and necessary action it deserves. I am grateful and do accept the assurances of my highest regards. Yours Faithfully, DANIEL K. KIP, ESQ. 08036964847 kipdann@gmail.com]]>
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
