The Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has implemented steps to address unprofessional practices and quackery within the legal profession.
During a press briefing in Owerri on Thursday, Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri, Chairman of the Lawyers Remuneration (Implementation and Enforcement) Committee, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the profession from quacks who compromise the association’s reputation.
“Pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap L11 LFN (as amended) 2023, the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration for Business, Legal Services and Representation Order was enacted to regulate, among other things, lawyers’ fees for services rendered to clients in Nigeria,” he stated.
Obiareri noted that the order has been effective since May 2023 and applies to all practising lawyers across Nigeria. The current awareness drive emphasizes fees for drafting title deeds and irrevocable powers of attorney.
“In drafting title deeds, irrevocable powers of attorney, and similar documents, the fee structure is as follows: for property valued at ₦50 million and below, 10%; for property valued between ₦50 million and ₦100 million, 10% on the first ₦50 million and 5% on the subsequent amount up to ₦100 million; and for property valued above ₦100 million, 7.5% on the first ₦100 million and 3% on any amount above that,” he explained.
Obiareri stressed that lawyers must agree with clients on fees according to the new schedule, and fees must not be lower than the minimum prescribed.
He added, “The lawyer and client must remit the agreed fee in compliance with NBA regulations. The drafted document, signed and sealed by the lawyer, along with proof of payment, must be submitted to the association.”
The submitted documents will be reviewed for compliance, and once payment is confirmed, each page will receive a serial number before the lawyer is notified to collect it.
Obiareri warned that non-compliant lawyers risk suspension, disbarment, or dismissal. “Clients may not be able to register their documents at the land registry, and the documents may not be recognised by public institutions. Engaging quacks or impostor lawyers could lead to unprofessional and delayed services,” he cautioned.
Chris Ihentuge, Chairman of the NBA Imo State chapter, praised the committee for ensuring compliance, noting that the order does not restrict pro bono services or deny legal support to the needy.
“We need to protect the profession and ensure that lawyers are not thrown out of work,” he said.
