Distinguished Learned Silks, Benchers and Colleagues,
I am constrained to write you on the very burning issue of delay in stamps production. We have contended with the serious challenge of stamps production since the early period of our administration. I have been inundated with complaints from our members about the protracted delay in the processing of their stamp applications. I have addressed the issue severally at the National Executive Council (NEC) meetings, but it has become imperative that I address the entire members of the Association on this unpleasant issue.
I must from the outset begin by apologizing to all our colleagues who were affected by this regrettable situation. It is however important that I put the matter in context to enable our members understand the background to the challenges. As I had previously explained at the NEC meetings, including the meeting held on the 20th of June, 2024, the delay being experienced in the stamp production is largely due to the constraints the stamps producer has been facing in procuring production materials. The printer has ascribed the constraints to the challenge of foreign exchange rates and inflation. While I must admit that the stamp producer had requested for an upward review of the cost of stamps prior to now, but we had persuaded him to retain the current cost with a view of protecting the interest of our members. However, it appears the insistence to protect the interest of our members against paying higher cost for stamps has also invited unavoidable consequences. There is no doubt that the current cost of stamp is no longer sustainable and needs to be reviewed.
Therefore, it has become imperative to apologize to all our members affected by the delay in processing of their stamp applications for the inconveniences being experienced. We have been engaging the stamp producer on daily basis to ensure this unacceptable situation is addressed as quickly as possible. I am however pleased to announce to you that the stamp producer has confirmed delivery of materials for the production of all the pending stamp applications. He has assured us that all the pending stamps will be produced and delivered to the Secretariat within the next few days. Consequently, we hope to commence a mass dispatch of all backlogs of stamps from Tuesday next week (20th August, 2024) to various Branches.
Our colleagues who are NEC members will also recall that in my report to NEC on 20th June, 2024, I informed NEC members that there was a need for the NBA to develop and implement digital stamp as an alternative to the physical stamp that has become problematic. It is therefore with a sense of fulfillment and relief that I announce to you that the process of the digital stamp (e-stamp) has now been completed and the current leadership of the Association shall be unveiling the digital stamps in the next few days. Details of the Digital stamps and the application process shall be publicized subsequently. This is no doubt a means to end the inconveniences being experienced by our members as a result of the unpredictability of the current physical stamps regime.
I must also add that in the course of dealing with series of complaints over the delayed stamps, we discovered that most of our colleagues who claimed to have applied for the stamp had not completed the application process on the portal. It is therefore important to note that, an application for stamp is not complete until the Branch due receipt is uploaded. The portal will also be updated to ensure that a lawyer gets immediate notification via email for any inconclusive stamp application.
Once again, I apologize to our members on behalf of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association for the regrettable inconveniences, while I invite you to anticipate the unveiling of the most fascinating digital stamp regime.
Please remain assured of my esteemed regards and commitment to continue to serve you with humility and integrity till the end of this administration.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our dear Association.
Adesina Adegbite, FICMC, MCIArb
General Secretary
