Advocating Fair Legal Fees: NBA Urges Enugu State Assembly to Adopt the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023

By LegalLinkz February 26, 2025 4 Min Read

Incorporation of practitioners’ remuneration (for business, legal service and representation) order 2023 in the proposed bill on pegging agents, legal fees, and eliminating caution fees

We write on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association Remuneration Committee to commend the Enugu State House of Assembly for the proactive steps to boost confidence in tenancy documentation.

We also wish to draw the attention of the House of Assembly to the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, which came into force on the 16th day of May 2023, signed by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice in his capacity as the Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee pursuant to the Legal Practitioner’s Act, (Cap L11, LFN 2004).

This Order establishes a clear, standardized framework for the remuneration of legal practitioners, ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in the legal services sector.

It has come to our notice that the House is currently drafting a bill concerning Peg Agents, Legal Fees, and Eliminating Caution Fees. In light of this, we respectfully urge the Assembly to reflect the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 within the proposed legislation.

Incorporating the Order’s guidelines will align the new law with established regulatory standards and promote the economic viability of legal practice within the state.

We commend the House of Assembly for its proactive initiative in considering this important legislation. Your commitment to enhancing the legal framework and ensuring equitable remuneration for legal practitioners is both timely and commendable.

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Key Elements of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 for Consideration:

Standardization of Remuneration: Establishing uniform benchmarks for legal fees to ensure equitable compensation across the profession.
Professional Integrity: Enhancing the standards of legal practice by providing clear guidelines that support professionalism and accountability.
Economic Sustainability: Safeguarding the financial interests of legal practitioners, which is vital for the continued delivery of quality legal services.

We are confident that reflecting these provisions in the proposed bill will contribute significantly to the improvement of legal practice and uphold the high standards expected by the public and the legal community alike.

Thank you for considering our request. We remain available for any further discussion or clarification that may assist in the drafting process of the proposed law.

Accept the assurance of our highest professional regards.

Yours faithfully,

CHIEF EMEKA OBEGOLU, PhD., SAN
Chair, NBA Remuneration Committee

RACHAEL PRINCEWILL
Secretary, NBA Remuneration Committee