“From 10% To 20%” — NBA-AGM Ratifies Increase In Bar Practising Fee Allocation To Branches, Earmarks 10% For Human Rights Committees

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on August 28 as part of the ongoing 67th Annual General Conference (AGC) in Enugu, saw members overwhelmingly approve an increase in the remittance of Bar Practising Fees (BPF) to branches from the current 10% to 20%. Half of the enhanced remittance, equivalent to 10% of total BPF, will be specifically allocated to Human Rights Committees at the branch level. The move is designed to empower local advocacy, legal aid, and protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria’s evolving legal landscape.

The approval, which amends the NBA Constitution’s provisions on financial distributions, comes in response to longstanding calls for greater branch autonomy and stronger support for human rights initiatives. Meanwhile the NBA Treasurer Blessing Udofa-Poromon, in her comprehensive Treasurer’s Report, Financial Statement, and Accounts for 2024–2025, highlighted the limitations of the existing 10% structure and stressed the potential of the reform to address disparities. With the change now ratified, the new rate will apply to 2026 BPF collections, potentially doubling branch inflows and strengthening grassroots human rights work.

“This reform is a game-changer for our branches, especially in promoting justice and equity,” source told TheNigeriaLawyer by directing half of the increase to Human Rights Committees, we are ensuring that funds directly support pro bono services, awareness campaigns, and interventions in cases of abuse aligning with the NBA’s core mission to uphold the rule of law.”

The report’s data on January–March 2025 BPF collections, totaling ₦1,299,258,500.00 and yielding ₦129,925,850.00 in 10% remittances across 130 branches, underscored significant urban concentration. Under the new 20% structure, branches stand to gain substantially, with the top performers receiving the largest boosts:

1. Lagos Branch (Highest Remittance)

Current BPF (Jan–Mar 2025): ₦232,832,000.00
Current 10% Remittance: ₦23,283,200.00
Projected 20% Remittance: ₦46,566,400.00 (₦23,283,200.00 to its Human Rights Committee)

As Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos accounts for ~17.92% of national BPF, with over 10,000 lawyers in corporate, maritime, and finance sectors. The doubled remittance will expand local programs, while the human rights allocation is expected to support efforts on police brutality, urban justice, and slum access to legal aid.

2. Abuja Branch (Second-Highest Remittance)

Current BPF (Jan–Mar 2025): ₦198,144,000.00
Current 10% Remittance: ₦19,814,400.00
Projected 20% Remittance: ₦39,628,800.00 (₦19,814,400.00 to its Human Rights Committee)

Representing ~15.25% of total BPF, Abuja is anchored by its federal capital role, hosting Supreme Court practitioners and policy experts.

Together, Lagos and Abuja contribute 33.17% of total BPF (₦430,976,000.00), highlighting the urban rural divide. Under the new policy, their combined remittances could reach ₦86,195,200.00, with half dedicated to human rights. Analysts say this concentration could further amplify their influence in NBA elections and policy debates, while also sparking concerns over equity for smaller branches like Katagum (current remittance: ₦40,750.00).

Udofa-Poromon reiterated the scaled BPF fees that underpin the remittance system:
Years Post-Call Fee (₦)
1–4 years 5,000
5–9 years 10,000
10–14 years 17,500
15 years+ 25,000
SAN / Benchers 50,000

These fees ensure sustainability, with higher contributions from senior lawyers supporting younger colleagues through shared benefits.

The Treasurer also highlighted NBA membership perks, now strengthened by increased branch funding for localized delivery:

Nigerian Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) – comprehensive health coverage.
Leadway Assurance Death Cover – financial aid for families of deceased members.
Group Life Insurance Policy – automatic protection for all members.
Professional Indemnity Insurance – safeguards against liabilities.
Capacity Building Programs – workshops and conferences.
Mentorship Programs – guidance from senior lawyers.
Networking Opportunities – stronger professional connections.
Welfare Scheme – support during financial hardship.
Discounted CPD Courses – affordable continuing legal education.
Advocacy and Lobbying – representation of members’ interests and promotion of rule of law.

The report reaffirms the NBA’s commitment to transparency and member welfare.
S/N Branch Name January – March 2025 BPF Amount (₦) 10% BPF Remittance (₦)
1 Aba Branch 15,650,000.00 1,565,000.00
2 Abakaliki Branch 9,512,500.00 951,250.00
3 Abeokuta Branch 7,023,500.00 702,350.00
4 Abuja Branch 198,144,000.00 19,814,400.00
5 Ado-Ekiti Branch 4,575,000.00 457,500.00
6 Afikpo Branch 1,855,000.00 185,500.00
7 Agbor Branch 2,347,500.00 234,750.00
8 Aguata Branch 3,085,000.00 308,500.00
9 Ahoada Branch 2,520,000.00 252,000.00
10 Akure Branch 10,982,500.00 1,098,250.00
11 Anaocha Branch 2,587,500.00 258,750.00
12 Asaba Branch 16,640,000.00 1,664,000.00
13 Auchi Branch 2,110,000.00 211,000.00
14 Awka Branch 9,250,000.00 925,000.00
15 Badagry Branch 6,190,000.00 619,000.00
16 Barnawa Branch 5,839,000.00 583,900.00
17 Bauchi Branch 5,482,500.00 548,250.00
18 Benin Branch 36,697,500.00 3,669,750.00
19 Birnin-Kebbi Branch 2,505,000.00 250,500.00
20 Biu Branch 1,055,000.00 105,500.00
21 Bori Branch 2,477,500.00 247,750.00
22 Bukuru Branch 2,610,000.00 261,000.00
23 Bwari Branch 13,280,000.00 1,328,000.00
24 Calabar Branch 13,857,500.00 1,385,750.00
25 Damaturu Branch 3,152,500.00 315,250.00
26 Degema Branch 4,595,000.00 459,500.00
27 Dutse Branch 2,580,000.00 258,000.00
28 Effurun Branch 7,685,000.00 768,500.00
29 Eket Branch 2,345,000.00 234,500.00
30 Ekpoma Branch 2,587,500.00 258,750.00
31 Enugu Branch 25,580,000.00 2,558,000.00
32 Epe Branch 3,555,000.00 355,500.00
33 Eti-Osa Branch 2,227,500.00 222,750.00
34 Ezeagu Branch 2,817,500.00 281,750.00
35 Funtua Branch 772,500.00 77,250.00
36 Garki Branch 13,640,000.00 1,364,000.00
37 Gboko Branch 2,255,000.00 225,500.00
38 Gombe Branch 4,600,000.00 460,000.00
39 Gua Branch 1,907,500.00 190,750.00
40 Gwagwalada Branch 5,762,500.00 576,250.00
41 Ibadan Branch 34,802,500.00 3,480,250.00
42 Idan Branch 1,807,500.00 180,750.00
43 Idemili Branch 4,075,000.00 407,500.00
44 Igarra Branch 1,250,000.00 125,000.00
45 Ihiala Branch 1,415,000.00 141,500.00
46 Ijebu – Ode Branch 2,995,000.00 299,500.00
47 Ikare Akoko Branch 1,137,500.00 113,750.00
48 Ikeja Branch 113,669,500.00 11,366,950.00
49 Ikere-Ekiti Branch 2,057,500.00 205,750.00
50 Ikirun Branch 1,960,000.00 196,000.00
51 Ikole-Ekiti Branch 1,315,000.00 131,500.00
52 Ikom Branch 1,010,000.00 101,000.00
53 Ikorodu Branch 8,292,500.00 829,250.00
54 Ikot-Ekpene Branch 2,207,500.00 220,750.00
55 Ilaro Branch 2,017,500.00 201,750.00
56 Ile-Ife Branch 4,125,000.00 412,500.00
57 Ilesa Branch 1,560,000.00 156,000.00
58 Ilorin Branch 18,855,000.00 1,885,500.00
59 Isiala-Ngwa Branch 1,290,000.00 129,000.00
60 Isiokpo Branch 4,975,000.00 497,500.00
61 Iwo Branch 507,500.00 50,750.00
62 Jalingo Branch 4,885,000.00 488,500.00
63 Jos Branch 20,043,000.00 2,004,300.00
64 Kabba Branch 800,000.00 80,000.00
65 Kaduna Branch 14,871,500.00 1,487,150.00
66 Kafanchan Branch 852,500.00 85,250.00
67 Kano Branch 16,673,000.00 1,667,300.00
68 Katagum Branch 407,500.00 40,750.00
69 Katsina Branch 2,360,000.00 236,000.00
70 Keffi Branch 4,955,000.00 495,500.00
71 Lafia Branch 5,385,000.00 538,500.00
72 Lagos Branch 232,832,000.00 23,283,200.00
73 Lokoja Branch 5,770,000.00 577,000.00
74 Maiduguri Branch 7,610,000.00 761,000.00
75 Makurdi Branch 12,440,000.00 1,244,000.00
76 Mbaise Branch 1,817,500.00 181,750.00
77 Mbano – Etiti Branch 1,895,000.00 189,500.00
78 Minna Branch 7,030,000.00 703,000.00
79 Mubi Branch 1,037,500.00 103,750.00
80 Nnewi Branch 4,365,000.00 436,500.00
81 Nsukka Branch 3,650,000.00 365,000.00
82 Nyanya-Karu Branch 3,872,500.00 387,250.00
83 ObolloAfor Branch 1,402,500.00 140,250.00
84 Offa Branch 632,500.00 63,250.00
85 Ogoja Branch 1,170,000.00 117,000.00
86 Ogbomosho Branch 797,500.00 79,750.00
87 Ogwashi-Uku Branch 1,507,500.00 150,750.00
88 Ohafia Branch 1,302,500.00 130,250.00
89 Oji-River Branch 4,362,500.00 436,250.00
90 Okehi Branch 2,950,000.00 295,000.00
91 Okene Branch 752,500.00 75,250.00
92 Okigwe Branch 1,595,000.00 159,500.00
93 Okirika Branch 1,810,000.00 181,000.00
94 Okitipupa Branch 2,045,000.00 204,500.00
95 Oleh Branch 2,822,500.00 282,250.00
96 Omoku Branch 2,170,000.00 217,000.00
97 Ondo Branch 1,895,000.00 189,500.00
98 Onitsha Branch 13,554,000.00 1,355,400.00
99 Onueke Branch 2,487,500.00 248,750.00
100 Orlu Branch 3,275,000.00 327,500.00
101 Oron Branch 917,500.00 91,750.00
102 Osogbo Branch 6,177,500.00 617,750.00
103 Ota Branch 4,805,000.00 480,500.00
104 Otukpo Branch 1,247,500.00 124,750.00
105 Otuocha Branch 3,104,000.00 310,400.00
106 Owerri Branch 28,060,000.00 2,806,000.00
107 Owo Branch 952,500.00 95,250.00
108 Oyo Branch 1,807,500.00 180,750.00
109 Pankshin Branch 1,642,500.00 164,250.00
110 Port Harcourt Branch 71,235,000.00 7,123,500.00
111 Sagamu Branch 1,992,500.00 199,250.00
112 Sagbama Branch 2,872,500.00 287,250.00
113 Saki Branch 495,000.00 49,500.00
114 Sapele Branch 3,087,500.00 308,750.00
115 Shendam Branch 1,275,000.00 127,500.00
116 Sokoto Branch 4,275,000.00 427,500.00
117 Suleja Branch 2,392,500.00 239,250.00
118 Surulere Branch 3,710,000.00 371,000.00
119 Udu Branch 4,265,000.00 426,500.00
120 Ughelli Branch 5,127,500.00 512,750.00
121 Ukwa Branch 2,110,000.00 211,000.00
122 Umuahia Branch 8,307,500.00 830,750.00
123 Umunneochi Branch 5,410,000.00 541,000.00
124 Uromi Branch 1,172,500.00 117,250.00
125 Uyo Branch 17,862,500.00 1,786,250.00
126 Warri Branch 14,050,000.00 1,405,000.00
127 Wukari Branch 520,000.00 52,000.00
128 Yenagoa Branch 14,115,000.00 1,411,500.00
129 Yola Branch 8,305,000.00 830,500.00
130 Zaria Branch 4,405,000.00 440,500.00
Total 1,299,258,500.00 129,925,850.00

The report underscores the NBA’s commitment to financial transparency, member welfare, and professional development amid ongoing discussions about enhancing branch support through increased remittances.