Concerns are mounting over mixed messages emerging from some Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) local branches regarding the implementation of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023, with the Anambra State branch taking a notably divergent stance that has raised eyebrows nationwide.
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An advert obtained by TheNigeriaLawyer from the Anambra NBA branch boldly informs the public of what it describes as a mandatory procedure requiring legal practitioners to submit all property transaction agreements under 50 million Naira to the branch chairman for countersigning, sealing, and issuance of a unique NBA number. The advert further warns that any agreement not processed through this channel will be deemed invalid and inadmissible in courts and land registries nationwide. It also cautions against “agents and go-betweens” preparing legal documents in the names of lawyers, threatening strict disciplinary action, including disbarment.
The message, signed by Enheusas Bona Oraque, Esq., Chairman, and Ian Mbam, Esq., Secretary of the NBA Chairmen and Secretaries Committee in Anambra, demands:
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- Obtaining a designated form from any NBA secretariat;
- Payment of 10% of the property value into an NBA account;
- Awaiting NBA approval and document stamping for recognition.
This local directive, however, starkly contradicts the official stance of the NBA Remuneration Committee at the national level.
In the past, Chief Emeka JP Obegolu, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Remuneration Committee, publicly refuted viral claims by one Frank Abo and local branch directives suggesting that lawyers must obtain NBA approval before preparing or submitting legal documents such as Deeds of Assignment or Powers of Attorney.
In a statement addressing widespread misinformation, Obegolu described such claims as “gross misrepresentations” of the 2023 Remuneration Order, which was signed into law by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act.
“The Order is designed to guide fair fee structures and protect clients from exploitation. It does not create an additional bureaucratic validation layer via the NBA,” Obegolu clarified, emphasizing that:
- Lawyers remain fully responsible for their documents bearing their names, enrolment numbers, and NBA seal;
- There is no legal provision making documents invalid if not vetted or approved by the NBA as an institution;
- The viral narratives calling for forms, payments into NBA accounts, and NBA stamping before documents can be recognized are false and misleading.
Investigations by TheNigeriaLawyer revealed that some NBA state branches, including certain Eastern states and Ilorin, have adopted local protocols resembling those mentioned in viral videos, leading to confusion and the erroneous belief that such processes are national policy.
Chief Obegolu reiterated the Committee’s commitment to ensuring uniform implementation of the Remuneration Order across Nigeria and urged the public and legal practitioners to rely solely on verified information issued from the NBA National Secretariat or the Remuneration Committee.
Members of the public encountering questionable claims or unofficial demands are encouraged to report to the NBA Remuneration Committee Programme Office via 08033888791.
As the NBA continues to promote ethical practice and fair remuneration for lawyers nationwide, it warns that unofficial local branch directives contradicting the national policy could lead to professional misconduct sanctions.
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