The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee has issued a strong reminder to all legal practitioners across the country on the need to comply with the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, which came into force on May 16, 2023.
The Committee, chaired by Chief Emeka JP Obegolu, SAN, PhD, has reiterated that non-compliance with the Order constitutes professional misconduct and may attract disciplinary sanctions by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
The 2023 Remuneration Order, a statutory instrument, was enacted to standardize legal fees across Nigeria, promote fair compensation for legal practitioners, and ensure transparency and trust in client-lawyer transactions.
Unlike the 1991 version, the current Order provides a broader and more comprehensive framework, covering services such as:
- Consultations and legal opinions
- Company incorporation and business registration
- Litigation (civil and criminal)
- Property and conveyancing transactions
- Commercial and corporate services
Importantly, the Remuneration Order sets minimum prescribed fees for legal services.
Lawyers are prohibited from charging below these benchmarks but are free to negotiate higher fees based on the complexity or value of the matter.
The NBA, through its Remuneration Committee and branch-level monitoring units, is committed to the effective implementation of the Order.
Lawyers are urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions and adopt the fee structure to charge better, charge smarter, and grow sustainably within the profession.
For further information or partnership, practitioners are advised to contact Ms. Stella Charles Akupue, Programme Officer, NBA Remuneration Committee, via 08033888791.
This statement is officially signed by:
Chief Emeka JP Obegolu, SAN, PhD – Chairman, NBA Remuneration Committee
Rachael Princewill – Secretary
Read More:
- NBA Remuneration Committee Urges Legal Practitioners to Complete 2-Minute Impact and Compliance Survey
- FIRS Pledges Full Compliance with the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023
