The Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has called on lawyers to embrace the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 (LPRO 2023) as a transformative tool to enhance their welfare, well-being, and professional dignity.
He made this call while presenting a paper during a webinar organized by the Nigerian Bar Association, Udu Branch, held on October 9, 2025, themed:
“From Welfare to Well-being: Leveraging the Remuneration Order to Better the Lives of Lawyers: Scale 4 of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 (LPRO 2023), with a focused lens on property transactions, tax issues, and enforcement.”
In his address, Chief Obegolu expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, Learned Senior Advocates, esteemed colleagues, and guests, noting that the theme was “not merely a call to action but a clarion call for transformation, a transformation that begins with us, the legal profession, and ripples out to strengthen the fabrics of the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
The Mandate of the Remuneration Committee
Chief Obegolu recalled that as Chair of the NBA Remuneration Committee, he had the privilege of working with dedicated colleagues to confront one of the most pressing challenges facing the profession, the undervaluation of legal services.
For too long, he said, lawyers in Nigeria have grappled with inadequate remuneration, exploitation of young practitioners, and the financial strain of sustaining law practices in a competitive environment.
“These challenges erode not only our welfare, our ability to meet basic needs, but also our well-being, which encompasses our mental health, professional fulfilment, and personal dignity,” he stated.
He described the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, drafted with the NBA’s support, as a landmark framework designed to standardize legal fees, protect professional dignity, and ensure every lawyer earns a fair and sustainable income.
“Today, I am here to share how this Order can move us from mere welfare to true well-being and to enlist the NBA Udu Branch as partners in this transformative journey,” he declared.
The Remuneration Order: A Tool for Transformation
According to him, the Remuneration Order is more than a schedule of fees, it is a statement of value. It asserts that the work of a lawyer is not a commodity to be bargained down but a professional service that upholds justice and drives societal progress. He outlined its key objectives:
- Fair Compensation: Setting minimum fees to ensure lawyers are paid commensurate with expertise and effort.
- Protection for Young Lawyers: Establishing baseline remuneration to curb exploitation.
- Professional Dignity: Reinforcing the worth of the profession and discouraging undercutting.
- Economic Empowerment: Enabling lawyers to invest in their practices and achieve financial stability.
Unpacking Scale 4: Property Transactions and Mortgages
Delving into Scale 4 of the Order, Chief Obegolu explained that it governs property transactions, mortgages, and related dealings, ensuring fair compensation for conveyancing work.
“In a nation where real estate fuels economic growth, yet disputes over titles plague our courts, adhering to this scale is both a professional imperative and a public service,” he emphasized.
He detailed key provisions, including:
- 10% minimum fee for property sales, purchases, or leases based on transaction value.
- 4% minimum fee for mortgages and charges, with clear provisions to avoid overlap.
- Equitable distribution of fees in lease and conveyancing transactions between lessors/lessees and assignors/assignees.
“These fees are not arbitrary; they reflect the sweat equity we invest,” he said, urging the Udu Branch to lead in compliance, adding that Paragraph 8(2) of the Order forbids accepting fees below the prescribed minimum.
He noted that enforcement and adherence would protect lawyers’ integrity, reduce undercutting, and promote ethical billing across branches.
From Welfare to Well-being: The Bigger Picture
“Welfare ensures we survive; well-being ensures we thrive,” Chief Obegolu noted. He shared the story of a young lawyer in Warri who, despite years of hard work, struggled with financial insecurity and burnout, a reality shared by many.
He outlined how fair remuneration can enable lawyers to:
- Prioritise mental health.
- Invest in growth and development.
- Serve with purpose through pro bono work.
- Achieve work-life balance and fulfilment.
Navigating Tax Issues: VAT, Withholding, and Compliance
Chief Obegolu cautioned that no discussion of remuneration is complete without addressing taxation.
He clarified that, under the LPRO 2023, fees from Scale 4 are considered gross income and are subject to VAT, WHT, and income tax regulations.
He explained that:
- VAT at 7.5% applies to legal services and must be invoiced separately.
- 5% withholding tax is deducted on professional fees above ₦20,000.
- Proper tax compliance and transparent invoicing protect lawyers from penalties and audits.
He encouraged the Udu Branch to host tax clinics to build members’ capacity on compliance, noting that “proper tax handling not only complies with LPRO but shields us from FIRS scrutiny, preserving our hard-earned fees.”
Enforcement: From Commitment to Accountability
Emphasizing the importance of enforcement, he referenced Paragraph 11 of the LPRO 2023, which empowers the NBA to investigate contraventions, with penalties including fines, suspension, or referral to the LPDC.
He revealed that several NBA branches, such as Suleja, Asaba, and Orlu, have already passed compliance resolutions, and the NBA has written to State Commissioners for Lands demanding enforcement of the 10% deed registration fee.
“Udu Branch, let’s lead,” he urged, calling for the creation of a local REC subcommittee to monitor and report violations, adding that “enforcement is collective defence.”
A Call to Professional Excellence
“Scale 4 of the LPRO 2023 is our shield against undervaluation, our map through tax mazes, and our blueprint for robust enforcement,” Chief Obegolu said, urging members to review retainers, invoice boldly, and collaborate fiercely.
He stressed that adherence to the Order elevates lawyers, protects clients, and sustains the Bar.
Leveraging the Remuneration Order: Our Collective Responsibility
The Remuneration Committee Chair called on the NBA Udu Branch to lead initiatives in awareness, enforcement, youth support, technology adoption, and holistic well-being.
He proposed:
- Champion Awareness through education and public engagement.
- Advocate for Enforcement by establishing monitoring mechanisms.
- Support Young Lawyers through mentorship and fair compensation.
- Embrace Technology for efficiency and sustainability.
- Promote Well-being through mental health and financial literacy programs.
A Call to Leadership
In conclusion, Chief Obegolu reminded his audience that the Remuneration Order’s success depends on collective action and ethical leadership.
“As the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, I stand before you not just as a leader but as a fellow lawyer who shares your aspirations and challenges. The Remuneration Order is our collective achievement, but its success lies in our hands,” he said.
“I call on the NBA Udu Branch to be a trailblazer in its implementation. Let Udu be the branch that sets the standard, the branch that shows Nigeria how to move from welfare to well-being.”
He ended with an inspiring charge:
“Together, we can build a profession where every lawyer is valued, where young practitioners can dream without fear of financial ruin, and where we all thrive as champions of justice. The Remuneration Order is our foundation, let us build on it with courage, unity, and vision.”
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN
Chair, NBA Remuneration Committee
9th October, 2025
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