As part of his ongoing efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the Remuneration Order 2023, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, led a delegation on an advocacy visit to the Delta State Ministry of Justice.
The visit aimed to assess compliance levels, engage with key stakeholders, and foster collaboration between legal practitioners and government institutions regarding lawyers’ remuneration in the state.
The delegation was warmly received by the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ohwovoriole Ekemejero, SAN, alongside the Delta State Solicitor General, Omamuzo Erebe, Esq.
In his opening remarks, Chief Obegolu, SAN, emphasized the importance of adherence to the Remuneration Order 2023, which was enacted to standardize legal fees and ensure that lawyers receive fair compensation for their services.
He commended the Delta State Ministry of Justice for its proactive stance in implementing the order and expressed the Remuneration Committee’s commitment to providing necessary support for its enforcement.
In response, the Solicitor General, Amamuzu Erebe, Esq., reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding the provisions of the Remuneration Order.
He informed the delegation that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Delta State Government are in full compliance with the Order, ensuring that legal practitioners engaged by the state receive remuneration in accordance with the stipulated guidelines.
Honourable Attorney-General Ohwovoriole Ekemejero, Esq., lauded the Remuneration Committee’s dedication to advocating for better working conditions for legal practitioners.
He reiterated that the Delta State Government recognizes the critical role of lawyers in governance, policy-making, and justice delivery, and as such, remains steadfast in ensuring equitable remuneration for their services.
During the engagement, discussions centered on challenges faced in implementing the Remuneration Order, including concerns raised by private practitioners and law firms regarding enforcement mechanisms.
Chief Obegolu, SAN, highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue between the Bar and the Bench to address any gaps and ensure that both government institutions and private entities comply with the prescribed remuneration framework.
The advocacy visit also provided an opportunity for the Remuneration Committee to gather insights on best practices that could be replicated in other states to achieve nationwide compliance.
Chief Obegolu, SAN, encouraged legal practitioners within the state to take an active role in monitoring and reporting any breaches of the Order to the appropriate authorities.
He assured them that the Committee remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to enhance the welfare of lawyers across Nigeria.
As part of the visit, the Committee also met with the NBA Remuneration Committee Chairman of Asaba Branch, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, SAN.
The delegation pledged its support for the branch’s efforts towards the full actualization of the Remuneration Order and discussed strategies for strengthening compliance and enforcement within the legal community in Delta State.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties pledged to strengthen collaboration to ensure sustained compliance with the Remuneration Order 2023. Chief Obegolu, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Delta State Ministry of Justice for its hospitality and commitment to advancing legal professionalism and ethical standards in the state.
The advocacy visit marks another milestone in the Remuneration Committee’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize fair legal remuneration across Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of adherence to regulatory frameworks designed to protect the interests of legal practitioners and the broader justice system.
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