The Judiciary Headquarters of Akwa Ibom State has issued a directive mandating all Registrars of Court and Commissioners for Oaths to strictly comply with the 2023 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Order in the attestation of land-related legal documents.
In a circular dated 3rd June 2025, signed by the Acting Chief Registrar, Affiong Victor Usimkah, Esq., the Honourable Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State emphasized the need to verify the year of execution on all land-related documents presented for attestation to ensure alignment with the practitioner’s seal year on the documents.
This directive follows concerns raised by the NBA Remuneration Committee about irregularities in document dates that could potentially be used to circumvent the provisions of the NBA Remuneration Order.
“The NBA has observed that, in some instances, persons are presenting land-related legal instruments for signing where the year of execution on the documents does not correspond with the actual year of their presentation,” the notice stated.
This discrepancy, the circular noted, may compromise the fair and appropriate compensation for legal services as set out in the 2023 NBA Remuneration Order. Consequently, the Chief Judge has directed strict enforcement to safeguard professional standards and ensure due process.
All Registrars and Commissioners are further instructed to confirm the presence of recent and valid NBA stamps on such documents before administering the oath. This, the circular explained, serves as “an additional layer of verification and accountability for the legal practitioners involved.”
The directive concludes by reiterating that all officers must adhere strictly to this order.
Signed:
Affiong Victor Usimkah, Esq.
Ag. Chief Registrar
Akwa Ibom State Judiciary
Kindly find attached.
Date: 3rd June, 2025
