The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Remuneration Committee, under the leadership of Chief Emeka Obegolu, PhD, SAN, and Rachael Princewill, has formally urged the Enugu State House of Assembly to incorporate the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 into the proposed Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024. This recommendation focuses on regulating agents’ legal fees, eliminating caution fees, and aligning with national standards.
In a letter sent to the Honorable Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the NBA Remuneration Committee commended the Assembly for enhancing tenancy documentation and fostering public trust in legal processes. However, the Committee stressed the need to adopt the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, signed into law on May 16, 2023, by the Attorney General of the Federation.
This Order, established under the Legal Practitioners Act (Cap L11, LFN 2004), provides a comprehensive framework for the remuneration of legal professionals. Its purpose is to ensure fairness and consistency in legal fees, while promoting transparency and accountability.
The NBA’s request emphasizes the importance of harmonizing state laws with national standards to create a more unified and equitable legal system. By integrating the Remuneration Order 2023 into the proposed bill, the Enugu State House of Assembly could:
Standardize Legal Fees: Ensure clear guidelines for fair compensation for legal professionals.
Enhance Professional Integrity: Provide a transparent framework that promotes professionalism in the field.
Support Economic Sustainability: Protect the financial interests of legal practitioners and maintain quality legal services.
Both Chief Emeka Obegolu, PhD, SAN, and Rachael Princewill expressed the NBA’s readiness to assist the Enugu State House of Assembly with drafting the bill and offer any further clarification. A copy of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 was also included for the Assembly’s reference.
Chief Obegolu stated, “The Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 is vital for ensuring fairness and transparency. By integrating it into the bill, the Enugu State House of Assembly can set an example for other states, fostering professionalism and sustainability in the legal sector.”
Rachael Princewill added, “We commend the Enugu State House of Assembly for their proactive efforts to improve legal processes. We are confident that incorporating the Remuneration Order will strengthen the legal framework and meet the high expectations of both the public and legal professionals.”
The Enugu State House of Assembly is expected to review the request, with stakeholders hopeful that the recommendation will be prioritized to enhance the legal profession’s economic viability and ensure alignment with national standards.
