Lawyers in Benue State have increased their per-court appearance charge from N2500 to N10000.
According to a directive from the chief judge of the state, Maurice A Ikpambese, the increment will be effective from January 1, 2024.
Ikpambese explained in a letter addressed to the chairman of the Makurdi branch of the Nigerian Bar Association dated November 10 that the decision will birth fair compensation for lawyers across the state.
The letter read:
“The adjustment aims to ensure fair compensation for legal practitioners in our jurisdiction and will apply uniformly across all courts in Benue State.”
The directive comes in the wake of a complaint filed with the chief judge’s office in May that essentially reduces the compensation of the jurisdiction’s attorneys under existing fee regulations.
Many factors were taken into account when establishing the new standard, including the welfare of lawyers and citizens’ access to legal representation.
