In a bid to ensure fair compensation for legal services and uphold professional standards, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee, Chief Emeka Obegolu, PhD., SAN, has called on all State Attorneys General to enforce compliance with the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023.
In a letter dated February 25, 2025, addressed to all State Attorneys General, Chief Obegolu emphasized the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Remuneration Order, which came into effect on May 16, 2023. The Order, signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, establishes a standardized framework for legal practitioners’ fees across Nigeria.
The NBA Remuneration Committee highlighted that the Order regulates professional fees for legal services, including property transactions, advisory services, and other legal engagements. Chief Obegolu stressed that compliance is crucial to maintaining transparency, fairness, and consistency within the legal profession.
“The Order establishes minimum fees to ensure fair compensation for legal services and prevent the underpricing of legal work, which can compromise professional standards and service delivery,” Chief Obegolu noted.
The letter outlined key obligations for Local Government Authorities and government institutions, including:
- Recognizing and respecting the prescribed remuneration structure for legal services.
- Ensuring that legal engagements strictly comply with the Order’s provisions, especially for agreements, land transactions, and corporate services.
- Requiring compliance from all legal practitioners engaged by their institutions to avoid potential legal liabilities.
Citing Section 15(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act, which empowers the Bar Council to regulate legal fees, Chief Obegolu quoted critical provisions of the Order, including:
- Article 1(2): “A legal practitioner shall not accept fees lower than the prescribed minimum remuneration for any service rendered under this Order.”
- Article 8(1): “A legal practitioner engaged in property transactions, advisory services, or other professional work must ensure that fees charged comply with the provisions of this Order.”
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Chief Obegolu urged State Attorneys General to notify all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under their jurisdiction to enforce strict compliance. He warned that any violation of the Order undermines the legal profession and will attract regulatory action.
The NBA Remuneration Committee reaffirmed its commitment to promoting continuous professional development and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Stakeholders seeking further clarification were encouraged to contact the Committee via nbaremunerationc@nigerianbar.org.ng or reach Rachael Princewill on 0817 815 6933.
“We urge all government bodies to incorporate the provisions of the Remuneration Order into their operational frameworks. This is essential to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and ensure that lawyers receive fair compensation for their services,” Chief Obegolu concluded.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, PhD., SAN
Chairman, NBA Remuneration Committee
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