Imo NBA moves to tackle quackery in legal service

The Nigeria Bar Association, Imo State chapter, has introduced measures to curb unprofessional practices and quackery in the legal profession.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri on Thursday during a press conference, the Chairman of the Lawyers Remuneration (Implementation and Enforcement) Committee, Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri, emphasised the need to protect the profession from quacks who undermine the association’s integrity.

“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 said.

Obiareri explained that the order has been in force since May 2023 and is binding on all lawyers practising in Nigeria, regardless of location.

The scale of charges applies to all types of services, with the current awareness campaign focusing on 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 noted.

Obiareri stressed that lawyers must agree with clients on fees in compliance with the new schedule, and the fees charged must not be below the minimum prescribed by law.

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,” he explained.

He added that the submitted documents would be reviewed for compliance and, upon confirmation of payment, each page would be sealed with a serial number, after which the lawyer would be notified to collect it.

Obiareri warned that any lawyer who fails to comply risks 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.

The Chairman of the NBA, Imo State chapter, Chris Ihentuge, commended the committee for ensuring compliance.

He noted that the order does not restrict pro bono services nor deny the poor access to legal support.

“We need to protect the profession and ensure that lawyers are not thrown out of work,” he said.