By Christopher Akagha
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism and fairness in legal practice with a formal assessment of the activities of its Lawyers’ Remuneration (Implementation and Enforcement) Committee.
The review was conducted during a press conference held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Bar Centre, Old High Court Complex, Owerri, where members of the Committee evaluated progress made since its establishment on May 16, 2023, to enforce compliance with the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order.
Chairman of the Committee, Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri, explained that the scale of charges introduced by the Order applies to all services rendered by legal practitioners, including the drafting of title deeds, irrevocable powers of attorney, and other title-related documents. He noted that the measure was designed to standardize professional fees and ensure fairness to both lawyers and clients.
According to a statement signed by the Committee’s Secretary, Nnadozie O. Ewelike Esq., the approved fee structure provides that legal services for properties valued at ₦50 million or less attract a fee of 10 percent. For properties valued between ₦50 million and ₦100 million, the fee remains 10 percent on the first ₦50 million and 5 percent on the balance up to ₦100 million. Properties valued above ₦100 million attract a charge of 7.5 percent on the first ₦100 million and 3 percent on any amount exceeding that threshold.
The Committee also outlined revised procedures for handling title documents, emphasizing that lawyers are required to agree on fees with clients, remit the prescribed fees into the NBA Owerri branch’s designated account, and submit relevant documents for review and sealing in accordance with the new guidelines.
Highlighting the Committee’s achievements, Professor Obiaraeri disclosed that the Owerri branch has processed more than 1,700 legal documents since the implementation of the remuneration order. He warned that any lawyer who fails to comply with the established guidelines risks disciplinary measures, including suspension, disbarment, or dismissal from the profession.
He further cautioned members of the public against engaging the services of unqualified individuals posing as legal practitioners, stressing that quacks and non-lawyers found to be practicing illegally would face sanctions.
Professor Obiaraeri urged clients to verify the professional credentials of lawyers and confirm their registration with the Nigerian Bar Association before engaging their services. He said adherence to due process would protect the public and provide a basis for seeking redress in cases of misconduct or failure to deliver professional services.
Representatives from several NBA branches across Imo State, including Orlu, Mbaise, Mbano-Etiti, Oru, Okigwe, and Owerri, attended the press briefing, underscoring the association’s collective resolve to uphold professional standards within the legal profession.
