The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee has formally notified Local Government Authorities about the enforcement of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023. The directive, which took effect on May 16, 2023, was signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice in his capacity as Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee under the Legal Practitioners Act (Cap L11, LFN 2004).
The Order establishes a standardized framework for legal practitioners’ fees, ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in the legal services sector. It regulates professional fees for services such as property transactions, advisory services, and other legal engagements.
The NBA emphasized that the Order aims to prevent underpricing of legal work, which can compromise professional standards. Local Government Authorities are expected to:
Recognize and uphold the prescribed remuneration structure in all legal dealings.
Ensure that all legal engagements, including agreements, land transactions, and corporate services, align with the Order.
Mandate compliance from legal practitioners engaged by their institutions to avoid legal liabilities.
The Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023 derives its authority from Section 15(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act. Key provisions include:
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.
The NBA has urged all stakeholders to enforce strict compliance, stating that violations will attract regulatory action. Legal practitioners engaged in documentation, advisory services, or property-related transactions must adhere to the prescribed fees to uphold the integrity of the profession.
For further clarification on the Order, stakeholders can contact the NBA Remuneration Committee via email at nbaremunerationc@nigerianbar.org.ng or reach Rachael Princewill at 0817 815 6933.
The NBA reaffirmed its dedication to professional development and legal compliance, encouraging organizations to integrate the Order into their operational frameworks.